A school has paid tribute to a former pupil who was found to be stabbed 24 times in Ilford, East London.

The Roding Valley High School community was “shocked and saddened” by the loss of one of Kamran Khalid, 18, who died during half term.

Police and medics had been called to reports of a fight in Harrow Road in Ilford in the early hours of October 28.

Mr Khalid suffered 24 stab wounds and was treated at the scene but died a short time later.

The victim had left Roding Valley High School two years previously but the school mourns the loss of his young life.

Headteacher Sharon Jenner said: "Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.

"As a mark of respect, the school has opened a book of condolence for his teachers and students who knew him."

Kamran was also a former Staples Road Primary School student.

Headteacher Nick Mallender said: "He will be remembered fondly as someone who approached school life with great humour and positivity, often entertaining his classmates and teachers with funny stories.

"He was also a talented footballer who represented the school team with pride and whose turn of speed and tricky feet were often the difference between winning and losing."

A 15-year-old boy was charged with his murder and appeared at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, October 28.

Judge Anuja Dhir QC set a plea hearing for January 19 and remanded the youth into custody.

Two other defendants Ashraf Binabdulaziz, 24, and Abubakar Binabdulaziz, 18, both of Ilford have also been charged with Mr Khalid’s murder.