£20,000 reward to find knife gang who killed boy for a bike

Ailton Campos de Oliveira, 16, was stabbed 13 times after being chased through Newham by the killers, who stole his Specialized Hardrock bike.

The teenager, who was studying at St Bonaventure's Roman Catholic Comp- rehensive in nearby Forest Gate, was attacked just after 1am on Sunday, July 4, in Denbigh Road.

He was confronted in Boundary Lane by a large gang, who grabbed him and stole his bike before chasing him through the streets. He was finally cornered and stabbed. As well as Ailton's mountain bike the attackers stole his BlackBerry Curve mobile phone. The gang are described as black and in their mid-to-late teens.

At the time, Ailton was the 14th teenager to have been killed in London this year and the 10th stabbed to death. In total so far, 17 teenagers have died violently.

More than 18 teenagers have been arrested in connection with Ailton's murder. Some have been released without charge but 12 are still on bail pending further inquiries.

Police have still not recovered the youngster's bike, which is described as a black Hardrock model with the brand name Specialized in red letters along the bodywork. It also features distinctive customised white front shock absorbers, which had been fitted by Ailton. Detectives have issued CCTV images showing a number of witnesses who they believe may have seen either Ailton being chased before he was stabbed or the suspects fleeing the scene.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Moring, who is leading the inquiry, said: "We hope that this substantial reward will encourage anyone with information about Ailton's murder to come forward.

"A group of young people targeted him, stole his bike and attacked him in the middle of the street.

"Despite the greatest efforts by medical staff, Ailton died and his family and friends are left devastated. Someone knows the group responsible and we urge them to think about Ailton and his family and come forward to help us."

He added: "Previously we released CCTV images in the hope that further witnesses could be identified. We are also keen to trace Ailton's bike and mobile phone and ask for anyone who may have been offered these items to come forward."

Anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8345 4142 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.