Murdered boy's family begs friends: there must be no revenge killings

Ofiyke Nmezu, 16, died in North Middlesex hospital on Friday having suffered a fractured skull in the brawl two weeks ago.

It is thought he was hit over the head with a brick during the attack in Enfield.

Seven teenagers have now been killed in London this year.

After detectives launched a murder inquiry his father today insisted the teenager, known as Iyke, had never been in trouble and was a "model son".

Mannie Nmezu said: "He was a lovely boy - intelligent, with a good heart. He was never a violent person throughout his life until he died.

"I never received any complaint about my son - that he has fought anybody or had arguments with anybody. My son did not have any hate for anyone. He was a good example to others. I ask his friends not to do any revenge on his behalf. I miss him, it is terrible.The family-is devastated and the whole community. I have lost the ideal son."

More than 2,000 people spent the weekend paying their respects at the family home in Reculver Mews, Enfield.

Iyke, who attended Kingsmead School, had been studying for his GCSEs and planned to go to university.

He was a keen sportsman who loved football and supported Manchester United. His father said: "He wanted to carry on with his life. He was a good student and planned to go to university. He wanted to do a business management degree.

"The number of friends coming to pay their respects is more than I expected - it makes my mind weak. I have had around 2,000 visitors. I did not know he had so many friends."

He was attacked less than one mile from where 17-year-old Henry Bolombi was fatally stabbed by a rival gang on New Year's Day. A post-mortem examination on Sunday confirmed that Iyke had died from a fractured skull.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said she heard a number of people fighting on 15 February, when the assault took place.

She said: "I could hear them fighting. I went inside as I did not want to be caught up in it.

"He was hit on the head with a brick. That's how he died. It is terrible. I don't know how you can get them to stop killing each other."

After his death, Iyke's friends turned a street food hut owned by his family into a shrine adorned with flowers and messages of love.

One card read: "I can't believe that you are gone but you are in a better place now, Isabelle," and another, from Carolyn, read: "Things will never be the same. We will always have you in our hearts and minds. Hope to see you soon in heaven."

Other messages called Iyke a "fallen soldier", with one adding: "Someone who always made everyone laugh deserved much more than this."

One card, apparently from his sister, read: "I miss you and you are remembered forever. Lil Sis Ella."

Iyke died on the same day as 17-yearold Tung Le, from Deptford - who died in hospital after being stabbed six days earlier during a night out in the West End.

Chien Nguyen, 18, is due to face trial after being charged in connection with the attack.

Anyone with information about Iyke's death should contact Scotland Yard on 020 8358 0100 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.