Two teenagers killed in stabbings

Two teenagers were stabbed to death today in separate attacks in London and Manchester.

Connor James Black, 16, died from a stab wound after a row at a party in Harpurhey, Manchester.

The joinery student was rushed from the scene on Moston Lane but died on the way to hospital.

Meanwhile, a 17-year-old boy died in London after being stabbed in a street fight. A man in his 20s was today arrested in connection with the murder.

Detective Superintendent Shaun Donnellan said Connor had been stabbed in the back and he appealed for anyone with information about a hooded figure seen running from the area to come forward.

"Connor was a member of a loving family though he was known to the police but not for anything serious,'' he said.

"As of yet there is no motive but it is very early days.

"He was stabbed in the back and had no defence against it."

Two knives have been found and were being tested for DNA and fingerprints, Donnellan said.

"There were many young people out and about last night. I am confident they have seen something.

"There is a willingness to help and people want to do the right thing."

Connor's brother and sister, Jordan and Kirsty Scullion, spoke of their shock as they laid flowers near the scene this morning.

Miss Scullion, 18, said: "He was a loveable lad who was never really in trouble.

"He was respectful but there had been trouble at this party. Someone told me that Connor was thought to have said something to someone, which he denied.

"It all then got out of hand and there was a commotion and he ended up getting stabbed. He wasn't the sort of lad who would look for trouble but he would back himself up."

Forensic officers examined the murder scene as detectives and patrol officers carried out house-to-house inquiries.

Jordan Scullion, 15, said: "He was a really good lad, I can't believe this has happened.

"He had everything to live for and was a normal young lad, into football."

In London, police were called at 1.33am to reports of a group of between six and eight men fighting on Sumner Road at the junction with London Road in Croydon.

Police and ambulance staff found the 17-year-old, who is Sri Lankan, with a wound to the neck.

He was taken to the nearby Mayday hospital, where he later died.