Family shock at teenager's murder in south London

Last updated at 10:18 GMT, Thursday, 6 May 2010 11:18 UK

The father of a 16-year-old boy who was stabbed to death in a south-east London park said the family "can't take in" what has happened.

Nick Pearton was stabbed and beaten as he tried to flee from up to 10 attackers in Sydenham on Wednesday.

Witnesses said a gang of boys armed with knives, baseball bats and sticks chased him across Home Park.

He then staggered to a fast food shop where his mother comforted him before he was taken to hospital where he died.

Speaking at the family home, the boy's father Vince said his family were too shocked to talk about what had happened.

Fighting back tears, he said: "There's nothing I can say, we can't take it in."

One witness said Nick cycled to the park to face members of a rival gang after another confrontation earlier in the week.

The 16-year-old boy said: "There was a fight over something silly.

"Nick was lying on the floor of the chicken shop bleeding.

"His mum came out screaming 'my baby boy, my son'. I didn't see him get stabbed, just on the floor."

Extensive crime scene

A number of youths were arrested close to the scene and remain in police custody, police said.

Police are believed to have recovered several weapons from bushes on the edge of the park and blood stains could be seen on the pavement.

One officer said: "It looks like they chased him around the park; it is an extensive crime scene."

London Ambulance Service said the boy had suffered a cardiac arrest.

Ten teenagers have been murdered in London this year. Last year 14 youngsters died.

From: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/8664575.stm