A woman who lives close to the scene of a fatal stabbing that claimed the life of a 38-year-old man has said the murder is “very shocking”.
Jade Anthony Barnett was attacked at around 3.30pm yesterday afternoon (August 28) in Rushmore Road, Clapton.
Police and paramedics rushed to treat the 38-year-old, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A murder probe has been launched by Metropolitan Police detectives, and two men – aged 21 and 28 – have been arrested.
The PA news agency has reported that Mr Barnett used a wheelchair after he lost his leg in a motorcycle accident in 2007.
Earlier this morning (August 29), people going in and out of a parade of shops in Rushmore Road close to the police cordon spoke of their shock that such a brutal stabbing had taken place in their area.
One local, who lives on a nearby estate close to Millfields Park, said that the area was normally “very safe”.
The woman, who did not want to be named, spoke to Hackney Gazette after thanking police officers patrolling in the road.
She said: “It’s lovely to see the police out on the streets. It’s very shocking that something like this has happened.
“It’s a lovely area, it’s very safe. If I had to live anywhere, it would be here.”
Nearby, Hakan Koten, the manager of the Costcutter supermarket in Rushmore Road, said that he only realised something had happened once the police were already at the scene.
He added: “We heard the sirens. The area is better than ten years ago.
“There hasn’t been anything around this area recently. Last time there was a shooting was a few years ago.”
This morning, flowers had been placed next to the police cordon in Overbury Street, where investigators could be seen going into a forensic tent.
A black and grey electric wheelchair could also be seen in the road, which is overlooked by a housing estate.
Police have said that two men arrested on suspicion of murder remain in custody, and that Mr Barnett’s family have been informed of his death.
His sister, Simone Barnett, 45, from Hackney, told the PA news agency that her brother was “jolly, cheerful, caring” and “he never took nothing too seriously, he laughed everything off”.
Officers have continued to urge anyone with information about the attack to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference CAD 4793/28AUG.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
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