TRAGIC teenager Ben Kinsella was innocent – he had nothing to do with the pub row that claimed his life.

TRAGIC teenager Ben Kinsella was innocent - he had nothing to do with the pub row that claimed his life.

The news was revealed as his sister, actress Brooke Kinsella, today (Wednessday) made an emotional appeal for witnesses to come forward and help put his killers behind bars.

Ben, 16, who lived with his family in Lonsdale Square, Barnsbury, was fatally stabbed at around 2am on Sunday at the corner of York Way and North Road, Holloway.

He had been in Shillibeers bar in North Road earlier that night, where a row had broken out.

The argument spilled outside and Ben was chased up the road and repeatedly knifed in the chest and back.

Although he was taken to The Whittington Hospital in Magdala Avenue, Islington, Ben died from his injuries. It has now emerged that Ben had nothing to do with the argument.

Brooke, 24, who played Kelly Taylor in the BBC's EastEnders, said at Islington police station: "The police have told us that Ben had absolutely nothing to do with any fights that night. They have killed someone who was entirely innocent".

Detective Chief Inspector John Macdonald, of the Metropolitan Police's Homicide and Serious Crime Command, added: "Ben had absolutely nothing to do with any of this. He was entirely innocent. A child has been killed for absolutely no reason."

Brooke appealed for witnesses to come forward. She said: "Unfortunately, the police have told us that they know of others who could provide crucial information but they have chosen not to tell police what they know. I have been told that Ben's murder will be very difficult to solve unless those witnesses come forward to assist.

"Please don't assume others will tell the police what they need to know. Don't think that because arrests have been made the police have solved the case. That is not how it is; they need you to speak to them.

"Remember, the police involved in this murder have killed my brother. We all need to be prepared to make a stand. We have been told that you can be protected.

"I am sorry to put anyone in that position. But for us, for anybody else in the future, let's get these people off the streets."

Brooke was supported by her father George, 48, a cab driver - who also appealed for help. He said: "If Ben was here, I know that he would be up here with information to help anybody who was in this situation."

Brooke revealed that her last memory of Ben was of buying him a McDonald's - but, fighting back the tears, said she could not really recall the events surrounding Ben's death.

According to DCI Macdonald, the fight was not gang related and was not over other underage youngsters being refused entry to the bar.

He said: "It appears to have been a minor issue over nothing. Ben was in a group that ended up getting chased and he was caught."

DCI Macdonald added that while forensic investigations were taking place and CCTV footage was being examined, the "most important thing" was witnesses.

He even encouraged parents to quiz their children about what happened that night, adding: "I am sure we will get on top of knife crime if everyone pulls together."

Anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8345 3985 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

Two 18-year-old men from Chadwell Heath, east London, as well as a 19-year-old man from Bethnal Green, east London, remain in custody after being arrested on Monday and Tuesday on suspicion of murder.

An 18-year-old man from Islington, thought to be from the Market Estate off North Road, Holloway, was also arrested on Monday on suspicion of murder - but has been released on bail until August. No further action is being taken against two 16-year-old boys arrested at the scene.