Teenager stabbed to death in an east London street

A teenager has been stabbed to death in an east London street after a suspected row with a former friend.

The 18-year-old was found with multiple stab wounds in Bow last night. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives are investigating reports that the teenager had been involved in an argument.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested near the scene of the killing and was being questioned at an east London police station today.

The victim - who has not been named - is the 14th teenage homicide so far this year. He is the 10th teenager to be stabbed to death.

The victim, who is black, was found in Devons Road near the junction of Purdy Street at 6.40pm.

Detectives from Scotland Yard's Homicide and Serious Crime Command are investigating the killing.Forensic science experts were expected to resume a search of the scene during daylight today.

Police said the motive for the murder is still unclear but they are investigating reports that the victim knew his attacker.

The number of teenager murders in London this year is running at half the total of last year when a total of 30 teenagers were killed on the streets, many of them in gang-related disputes and mass fights. There were 22 stabbings.

This record number of teenage homicides sparked a major police operation to curb gang violence with a big rise in the number of stop and searches of young people.

The initiative codenamed Operation Blunt 2 includes regular weapon screening operations with airport-style metal-detecting arches on streets and at transport hubs.