A 16-year-old teenager has been charged with the murder of 15-year-old Brayan David Saldarriaga in Hackney, east London, following a fatal stabbing involving machetes. The victim, described by a close friend as 'a friend you could trust,' was found with fatal stab wounds in Poplar Close after police responded to reports of a large gathering and disorder in Towpath Walk, Hackney Wick, on Monday evening.
Details of the Incident
Police were called at approximately 5:15 PM on Monday to reports of a large gathering, disorder, and sightings of individuals carrying machetes in Towpath Walk. Officers and paramedics discovered Brayan David Saldarriaga, from Haringey, north London, with stab wounds in nearby Poplar Close. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 16-year-old boy was arrested on Thursday and has now been charged with murder. He remains in police custody.
Friend's Tribute
Speaking to London Now, Kaylen, a 15-year-old close friend, remembered Brayan as a loyal companion. 'I first met him when he came to my school at the start of Year 8. He was new and I started talking to him. He was just funny, he made jokes. He was nice to have around,' Kaylen said.
'Brayan was my best friend, one of those friends you could trust. He was like my brother. He was outgoing, talking to people. I always used to go out with him. He always made sure I was safe,' Kaylen added.
Brayan is understood to have had Colombian roots and spoke little English when he moved to London.
Police Appeal
Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card, from the Metropolitan Police, expressed condolences: 'Our thoughts remain with Brayan's loved ones following this tragic incident. We understand the impact this incident has had on the local community.'
She urged witnesses to come forward: 'If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to speak with one of our officers on patrol in the area this week. We know there were a significant number of people who recorded the large gathering and the incident on their mobile phone. I would urge anyone who witnessed what happened or who has footage of the incident to come forward to police - your information could be vital.'
