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Gun victim was 'model athlete'

Lewis Smith
Friday 31 December 2010 20:00 EST

The 17-year-old boy who died in a stairwell after being shot on a South London housing estate was a promising athlete who competed at national level.

He was named by police yesterday as Sylvester Akapalara, who was a member of the Herne Hill Harriers. The athletics club boasts some of the best young runners in the country. Steve Bosley, club secretary, described him as a "model athlete". "He showed no signs of being in any trouble – that's why we are so shocked." More than 750 people have joined a Facebook tribute page devoted to Sylvester.

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