The nightclub where a teenager was fatally stabbed after birthday party celebrations turned into an argument was unlicensed, the Recorder can reveal.

Kelvin Chibueze, 17, was murdered outside Artifex nightclub in High Road, Ilford, on August 15, where he was found stabbed in the chest.

This week Redbridge Council confirmed the club, tucked away down an alley off High Road, Ilford, does not have a permanent license, and did not obtain a temporary entertainment license for the date Mr Chibueze was murdered.

On the club’s Facebook page, it is described as being “dressy” and “good for groups”.

On the night Mr Chibueze was stabbed, police believe there were up to 150 youths in the small club, and despite initially fearing a slow investigation due to young people being unwilling to speak with police, 19-year-old Dale Williams, from Barking, was arrested and charged with Mr Chibueze’s murder on August 24.

Mr Chibueze died of a stab wound to the chest and was found in a car park off Thompson Close, Ilford.

He died nine hours later in hospital.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested and bailed to return in early September, and two men in their 30s were arrested and bailed to return in late September.

A spokeswoman from Redbridge Council said: “According to our records the premises closed in 2006. Since then up until today it has not had a permanent licence for entertainment or for alcohol.” The club had applied and was granted several temporary entertainment licenses, which can remain in place for a maximum of 96 hours, on dates in June and July.

But on August 15, they were not licensed.

Despite efforts of the Recorder, Artifex Promotions could not be reached for comment.