Police investigating the murder of a 17-year-old boy in Ilford have spoken this afternoon of “a very disappointing” response as they try to track down his killer or killers.

No potential witnesses have come forward to the police following the death of Kelvin Chibueze on Monday.

He was stabbed at 4am that morning in a car park off Thompson Close, Ilford, following a nearby birthday party.

He died nine hours later in hospital and police say two groups of youths, containing about 15 to 20 people in total, had become involved in an argument where bottles were thrown before Kelvin was stabbed.

Det Ch Insp John Macdonald said: “We have had a very disappointing response from people who were at the party. No one has come forward voluntarily to speak to us.

“I would urge everybody at the party to contact us so that we can eliminate them from our inquiries.

“Even if they didn’t see anything, it is still important for them to get in touch.”

A post-mortem carried out on Wednesday found Kelvin died of a stab wound to the chest.

Speaking to the Recorder earlier this week Mr Macdonald said up to 30 people, including some onlookers, may have seen what happened to Kelvin.

He added: “You’d expect a number of people would have come forward but no one has.

“People disappeared straight away. It underlines some of the difficulties we’re facing.”

Police heard the disturbance form the nearby police station but those at the scene fled, some in cars, when officers arrived.

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

• A 19-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder on Monday has been bailed until late September pending further inquiries.