TV star calls for end to knife deaths

TV soap star Brooke Kinsella today paid an emotional tribute to her younger brother, the latest teen to be stabbed to death on London's streets.

Ben Kinsella, 16, was knifed in a north London street at around 2am yesterday and died later in hospital.

A tearful Miss Kinsella, 24, who is best known for playing Kelly Taylor in the BBC's EastEnders, said: "Yesterday, we tragically lost not only a beautiful son and brother, but a true angel.

"He was one of the kindest and gentlest boys God created."

Referring to the 17 teenagers who have died violently in London this year, Miss Kinsella urged people to put down their knives and said: "Now it truly is the time to stand up and put an end to this."

Miss Kinsella said: "We always knew that Ben would make a special mark in this world.

"Although it is in the worst possible circumstances, hopefully he will be the one to put an end to this.

"My family are determined to fight in his memory to make the streets safe for our children."

She added: "Please boys and girls put down your knives and weapons and think about the pain and suffering they will cause."

The actress also urged parents to talk to their children over the issue of knife crime.

She added: "Please can we waste no more time and come together as a country to ensure that no other lives are wasted."

Sitting alongside the family was Detective Superintendent Vic Rae of the Metropolitan Police's Homicide and Serious Crime Command.

He appealed for witnesses to the disturbance in the nightclub to come forward.

Mr Rae said: "We know that there was a number of people in the club when there was a disturbance. This disturbance spilled out into North Road, Islington and up the road."

He said the incident climaxed at the junction of North Road and York Way with the fatal stabbing of Ben.

He added: "At this moment in time we believe there were four black males involved in the stabbing. They were around about the same age of Ben or slightly older."

He urged anyone with any information to contact the incident room on 020 8345 3985.