The 17-year-old with a “cheeky little brother grin” who was stabbed to death in Caledonian Road last night has been named in the community as Nedim Bilgin.
The former Mary Magdalene Academy was stabbed multiple times near the junction with Tilloch Street and died at the scene at 6.50pm. Detectives are appealing for anyone with information about the attack to come forward.
A 17-year-old and 16-year-old were arrested nearby on suspicion of murder – and an 18-year-old was arrested hours later at an Islington house in connection with the killing.
A friend, who asked to remain anonymous, today told the Gazette: “He was a good, funny kid and had a big heart.
“His friends meant a lot to him and his family – his cheeky little brother grin will be missed by everyone.
“The Cally is a hellhole and nothing’s being done. These kids are being left out but there’s nothing for them.”
Nedim, or “Neds” to some friends, is said to have been living in the Cally and studying in the borough.
His friend told this paper he had spoken to Neds mere hours before he was killed in the street.
“He was asking me when I was coming home,” he said. “And saying he missed me not being around.
“[He] was saying it’s cold. He just wanted a better life for his little bro.”
Nedim is the first person to be stabbed to death in Islington this year.
There were four fatal stabbings in the borough in 2018. Ali Al Har was the last person to be killed after he was stabbed in the leg in Corrine Road in September.
“It’s getting out of hand,” said Nedim’s friend. “Too many kids are dying before they live. It’s got to stop around here.
“He had a diamond in his heart and meant a lot to us all.”
Former classmates of Nedim, too scared to give their names, described him as “one in a million”, “selfless”.
“We feel devastated,” one said. “He put everyone over himself and always made sure other people were alright.
“He was kind of like a brother to all of us and looked after everyone one. He had the kindest heart and was too good for this world.”
Scotland Yard said the victim had not yet been formally identified, but that next of kin have been informed.
Detectives from the Central North Command Unit are investigating alongside the Met’s murder squad. A crime scene remains in place.
Det ch insp Mark Wrigley, who is leading the investigation, said: “This fatal knife attack took place just before 7pm in a area when lots of people would have been passing through the area on foot and in cars.
“We have had reports of people seen running around and on pedal bikes near Caledonian Road junction with Tilloch Street, N1 before and just after 7pm. Were you there? Did you see anything suspicious? Do you record footage before or after the attack or have you vehicle’s dashcam on? We need to hear from you to help build a clearer picture of what unfolded.”
Ch sup int Nick Davies, from Central North Area, which includes Islington, added: “Tragically the local community is now coming to terms with the senseless loss of life of a young man who had everything to live for.
“I completely understand the alarm and concern it has raised from those who live and work in the area.
“I would urge the local community to be patient and cooperate where possible with the work detectives are getting on with in the area.
“My officers will be out working to support investigators today and be there to talk to the public and listen to the concerns they have.
“Neighbourhood patrols will be stepped up in the area and locals can expect to see more police. I would urge anyone with information on the attack to contact police without delay.”
Did you know Nedim? Call Lucas at the Gazette newsdesk on 020 7433 0121 or email lucas.cumiskey@archant.co.uk to share your tributes.
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