Police have named and released photographs of two men they want to trace as part of an investigation into the fatal stabbing of a young Nigerian in east London.
Detectives from the Metropolitan Police are appealing for the public’s help to locate 22 year old Cavalli Harriott and 23 year old Jayqwan Stevens Burke following the killing of 23 year old Elijah Seriki.
Elijah was fatally stabbed near Mossbourne Community Academy in Hackney on Monday, July 13. Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 1.40pm following reports of a stabbing. Despite the efforts of paramedics from the London Ambulance Service, he died a short time later in nearby Hackney Downs.
As the murder investigation gathers pace, detectives have identified Harriott and Stevens Burke as two men they urgently want to speak to in connection with the inquiry.
According to the Metropolitan Police, Harriott is from Hackney, while Stevens Burke is known to spend time in both Hackney and Grays in Essex.
Detective Chief Inspector Dave Whellams, who is leading the investigation, said officers were continuing to piece together exactly what happened on the afternoon of the attack.
“We continue to carry out extensive enquiries to build up a picture of the events of that afternoon,” he said.
“We are now appealing to the public to help us progress our investigation and would urge anyone who knows the whereabouts of Cavalli Harriott or Jayqwan Stevens Burke to contact police.”
No arrests have been made and detectives say the investigation remains active.
Earlier, Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley of the Metropolitan Police Specialist Crime Command said officers were working around the clock to identify those responsible.
“Our investigation remains in the early stages and officers are working at pace to identify those responsible,” he said.
“Police will remain in the area as our enquiries continue and I encourage anyone with any information to contact us.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Brittany Clarke said the attack had understandably caused concern because it happened in broad daylight near a school.
“We understand that this incident occurred close to a school in broad daylight, which will be hugely concerning for local residents,” she said.
“We do not believe this involved any pupils at the school and we are treating it as an isolated incident. We will continue to update the community whenever we can.”
Hackney Mayor Zoë Garbett described Elijah’s death as both shocking and deeply saddening.
She said local authorities were supporting those affected by the tragedy and stood ready to assist police as the investigation continues.
Police have urged anyone who saw the attack or has CCTV, mobile phone footage or any other information that could assist detectives to come forward immediately. The investigation remains ongoing.
