Family tribute to fall death boy - News in brief - Evening Standard
       

Family tribute to fall death boy

The family of a teenager who fell to his death from a building while fleeing a gang of youths has paid tribute to the youngster.

Ahmed Benyermak, 16, was climbing down the outside of the building when he fell, police said.

He may have feared he was about to be attacked with a knife by a hooded bicycle-riding gang.

He climbed down six floors on the outside of the tower block in Hackney, east London.

But when he reached the seventh floor his path was blocked by a metal grille and he apparently lost his footing and fell.

His family said he had been planning to go to Tower Hamlets College next month to study mechanics.

His uncle Mustapha Benyermak said: "He was a nice kid, a friendly guy. He didn't get into trouble. He was at home most of the time. He always helped people out if he could."

Ahmed's cousin Samya Riahi, 16, added: "Maybe he was too nice. He kept himself to himself. He didn't get involved in trouble."

Neighbours said Ahmed was with friends when he was chased by another gang, some of whom were carrying knives. They escaped into the Trelawney Estate and ended up gathering on a balcony on the 13th floor of the Paragon Road tower block.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident to come forward.

News in brief in Pictures

Don't Miss
Rock star: Erin Wasson

Rock star

Erin Wasson is the ultimate anti-supermodel
Maybe it’s because she’s a Londoner … Happy anniversary, Ma’am

Happy anniversary

The monarchy has become stronger and more respected in the past 60 years
Victoria Coren: My obsession with children, five proposals a week and why David and I are no power couple

Victoria Coren

David Mitchell and I are no power couple
The Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition preview party

Summer party

Stars at the The Royal Academy of Arts
London gets ready for the Diamond Jubilee - in pictures

Diamond Jubilee

London gets ready - in pictures
The Glamour Awards - stars turn on the style

Glamour Awards

Stars turn on the style
Duchess of Cambridge is pretty in pink at her first Buckingham Palace garden party

Garden party

Duchess of Cambridge is pretty in pink
FIRST review of Ridley Scott's latest sci-fi blockbuster Prometheus

First review

Is Ridley Scott's Prometheus any good?
Fair-weather goths

Fair-weather goths

The sultry shades of summer darks are coming out of the shadows
Dog save the Queen: Corgis surge in popularity

Dog save the Queen

Corgis surge in popularity