The “small subculture” of people carrying knives must be dealt with, Ilford South MP Mike Gapes has said.

He has spoken to the Recorder today after Kelvin Chibueze, 17, was stabbed in High Road, Ilford, which is within Mr Gapes’ constituency.

He said: “It’s terrible to have a murder in Ilford but we can be certain that there was no link to last week’s rioting.”

“This is not related to the Ilford area in particular as the victim was from Croydon, but there is a national problem of people carrying knives and other weapons. The problem is all over London and is a small subculture that we have got to deal with.”

High Road, outside the police station has been cordoned off since yesterday morning and several areas are still not accessible.

Mr Chibueze, 17, died at 1pm yesterday in Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel after being stabbed in High Road.

Detectives say two groups containing 15 to 20 people were involved in a disturbance after a private party at a property off High Road.

The argument spilled out into High Road, and then into the car park next to Lidl and Fitness First, where it is believed the teenager was stabbed.

Fitness First, Lidl and Farmfoods have since reopened but the car park outside these businesses has not.

Mr Gapes added: “Hopefully by cordoning off the streets involved the police will be able to track down the people involved in the crime and I would like to appeal for information to anyone who might have seen or heard something or know someone who might.”

Mike Gapes will also be addressing the situation with the borough commander.

Anyone with information on the stabbing is asked to call the incident room on 020 8345 3985 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.