A 15-YEAR-OLD boy has been stabbed to death outside school gates - with police launching an urgent manhunt for his attacker.
Cops scrambled to reports of a stabbing in the Lower Clapton neighbourhood of Hackney, east London at 4.05pm on Tuesday.
A boy believed to be aged 15 was found with multiple stab wounds on a street near Benthal Primary School.
Despite the best efforts of emergency services, the teen was pronounced dead at the scene.
Scotland Yard said urgent enquiries are currently underway to identify the suspect or suspects.
The attacker is believed to have run away from the scene at around 4pm.
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Officers are in the process of informing the teenage victim's next of kin.
A crime scene remains in place around Stellman Close this evening as forensic experts comb the street for evidence.
Road closures will remain in place for some time, a Met spokesperson said.
Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway said: "The death of a child is devastating.
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"My first thoughts are with his family and friends. Our communities will also be deeply concerned by this event.
"Urgent enquiries are underway and my officers are working hard to identify the suspects.
"Local residents can expect to see a notable police presence in the area as the investigation continues."
DCI Conway added: "There will be road closures in the Stellman Close area for some time.
"Our communities have shown their strength in coming forward to support the police in tackling knife crime.
"I ask for their support again after this dreadful event."
Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen said: "We know this happened in a busy area during the day.
"There would have been people around. The suspect is believed to have run away from the scene.
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"I would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Stellman Close area around 4pm to contact police."
Witnesses are urged to contact police on 101 quoting CAD 5387/23JULY.