Detectives investigating the murder of a 14-year-old boy in east London launched a fresh appeal for witnesses today as they revealed he was riding a stolen moped at the time of the attack.
Jaden Moodie was rammed off the moped by a Mercedes car before being stabbed in the back repeatedly and left to die in the street in Leyton.
Police are returning to the scene of the attack in Bickley Road this evening, a week on from the killing, to appeal for witnesses. Detectives say they are still keeping an open mind about the motive for the attack at around 6.30pm in an area notorious for gang-related violence and drug-dealing.
After the murder it was revealed that he had been excluded from school and sent to a Pupil Referral Unit. His family say he was not involved with gangs, but he described himself on social media as a “trapper kid” (drug dealer) and in images online he is seen waving bundles of £50 notes and making gang signs. He moved to the capital last year for a “new start” away from his former home in Nottingham.
Jayden had moved to London recently, family say (Metropolitan Police)
Detective Chief Inspector Chris Soole, who is leading the investigation, said: “We want to make sure we fully understand every aspect of Jaden’s lifestyle, and the reason, for instance, that he was riding a stolen moped. I believe there are a number of people who witnessed the crime or who have information about Jaden’s murder and we would like to hear from them.”
Detectives are urging young people to use the website Fearless.org, which is aimed at 11 to 16-year-olds, to pass on information anonymously.
DCI Soole said police would also be returning to Carlisle Road, half a mile from the murder scene, where the stolen Mercedes B Class was dumped the day after the attack.
Anyone with information is asked to ring 020 8345 3734 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
