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Jodie Chesney murder: Second man arrested over fatal stabbing of 17-year-old girl in London

'This was a savage, evil attack,' says detective leading investigation

Zamira Rahim
Friday 08 March 2019 04:58 EST
Jodie Chesney, 17, died after being stabbed in the back
Jodie Chesney, 17, died after being stabbed in the back (Metropolitan Police)

A man in London has been arrested on suspicion of murder over the death of 17-year-old Jodie Chesney.

Detectives also arrested a 20-year-old man in Leicester on 6 March, in connection with the teenager's death.

Both men remain in custody.

Jodie died on 1 March in Harold Hill, London after being stabbed while sitting in a park with a group of friends.

Officers said that two men in the park approached the group and one stabbed the teenager once in the back.

Flowers laid in memory of Romford stabbing victim Jodie Chesney

Nothing was said by the two attackers, who then ran away.

The teenager died shortly afterwards and a post-mortem examination on Sunday established her cause of death as as trauma and haemorrhage.

Her family have urged anyone with information about the schoolgirl's "outrageously violent" murder to come forward.

They have also called for tougher sentences on knife crime in the wake of her death.

"This was a savage, evil attack," said Dave Whellams, the detective chief inspector leading the investigation.

"We're progressing well with the investigation and continue to ask the public to assist us.

"At this time, there being no clear motive is very unusual. We retain an open mind and can't rule anything out."

"I ask the public and those in the local area to contact us if they suspect anyone of having any involvement in this terrible incident.

"Is there anyone you know who is acting differently from usual? Have they become withdrawn? Maybe they've become nervous and have shown character changes that are unusual.

"If you suspect something may be amiss then you need to let us know."

Anyone with information is urged to contact HMCC Incident Room on 020 8345 3775, Tweet @MetCC or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

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