Two teenagers have been arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 45-year-old father in Chingford, the Metropolitan Police said.
James ‘Jamie’ Markham was ‘brutally’ attacked after confronting a group of youths harassing his daughter on Monday, according to reports.
The boys, both 14, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and suspicion of conspiracy to murder.
The pair are in custody at an east London police station.
Mr Markham’s devastated wife, Candice, told the Mirror that her husband was protecting one of his three children, Chloe, before he was knifed.
Neighbours told MyLondon that he was set upon by the group when he came out of his flat.
Detective Inspector John Marriott, of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: ‘We believe that James confronted a group of youths causing a disturbance and was stabbed as a result.
‘The brutality of this response is beyond shocking and our thoughts are with James’ family who have been left devastated by their loss.’
Officers say they were called to Churchill Terrace at 6.20pm following reports of a disturbance.
They found Mr Markham seriously injured after stabbed at the scene, where he was pronounced dead despite the efforts of paramedics.
A post-mortem examination later found he died of a stab wound to the lung.
Detective Marriott continued: ‘The arrests of these two individuals is a significant development but we still need the public’s help to build a full picture of exactly what happened on Monday evening.
‘I know that there were a number of people present at the time of the murder. I want them to come forward.
‘I also believe there will be parents who know that their child was there, or was involved. I am appealing for them to do the sensible thing and get in touch with us.’
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