Pictured: Man, 20, stabbed to death in Stratford park packed with families

Victim: Bradley Quarsema, 20, who was killed in a park in Stratford
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Children fled in terror as a man was stabbed to death in a London park packed with families.

Bradley Quaresma, 20, is believed to have been slashed across the neck during an row in West Ham Lane Recreation Ground in Stratford yesterday afternoon.

Paramedics from London’s Air Ambulance battled to save his life before he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Witnesses told how the park was busy with families when the attack took place at about 3.15pm.

A forensic police officer at work at the scene in the park in Stratford
Nigel Howard

A woman who lives near the scene said: “The park was full of families and children just coming home from school.

“I saw police interviewing people and there was a little boy there holding a ball who looked traumatised. He was about 11 or 12.”

Tony Cook, 29, who was walking past on the school run, said: “I could see the air ambulance above me looking to land. There were loads of police officers patrolling the park and escorting people out safely.”

Police near the gates to the park in Stratford where the man was stabbed
Nigel Howard

Another neighbour said: “I could hear shouting and people looking over. This is my home and I don’t want to see that. I just feel sad really.”

Witnesses said a blue tent was erected over the victim’s body in front of horrified youngsters.

Friends of Mr Quaresma, originally from Portugal, today told of their heartbreak.

Yuu Costa wrote on Facebook: “I can’t believe what I’m reading, a kid that I met at six years old and now all of a sudden he’s left this world?

Officers guarding the park
Jac Lockwood

“He still had much to live for and to celebrate in this life. I’ll remember him always with a smile on his face, fun-loving, cheeky and full of life.”

Omar Semado wrote: “I still can’t believe it. You were a kid loved by all. God rest your soul in peace and I want you to know that we all love you.”

Nellio Galvao added: “Rest in peace my kid. It’s hard to believe – there’s no words for this. A lot of strength and courage to his family.”

Two male teenagers, aged 16 and 17, were arrested nearby. They were today being questioned by detectives from the Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Holmes said: “It was a busy time of day when this violent incident has occurred and I am appealing to anyone who was in an around the area, and who may have witnessed the incident to contact us.”

Anyone who can assist detectives is urged to call 020 8345 1570 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.

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