Police have identified a teenage boy who was stabbed to death in Hoxton on Friday night as Marcel Addai.

Officers were called to the St John’s Estate on Pitfield Street, where they found the 17-year-old suffering from knife wounds at around 11.15pm. Paramedics attended the scene but he was pronounced dead at 11.47pm.

Although formal identification has yet to take place detectives are satisfied that the deceased is Marcel and his next of kin have been informed.

A statement made on behalf of Marcel’s family said: “We have been left totally devastated by the death of Marcel. We cannot comprehend how anyone could carryout such a wicked attack.

“We want those people who know something about this attack to come forward and provide information to the police. These people must come forward to prevent another family going through the pain we are all now suffering.”

A murder hunt has been launched to find Marcel’s attackers and detectives investigating the murder are currently tracing his next of kin.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Partridge said: “My officers have been at the scene since the attack took place and have come across a community left shocked by what has taken place.

“Whilst we have had a good initial response I believe there are still a number of people who were at the scene who have not come forward, people who hold significant information.

“I want to stress that any information provided will be dealt with sensitively and in the strictest confidence.”

No arrests have been made and enquires continue.

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8358 0300 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.