Detectives have named the victim of a fatal stabbing in Plaistow as they continue to appeal for information. Elliot Francique, aged 20, was found suffering from stab wounds inside his home in Plaistow on Tuesday, 19 April.
Police were called to the address at Hudson Close, E15 at 15:21hrs on the day of the murder. Elliot was found in his bedroom suffering from multiple knife wounds.
Plaistow residents are frightened following a fatal stabbing yesterday afternoon (April 19), which they say was the third in three years in the area.
Medics from London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance worked hard to save Elliot’s life, but despite their efforts, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene at 16:31hrs. His next of kin are aware and continue to be supported by specialist officers.
A murder investigation was launched, led by Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen. DCI Allen said: “Our enquiries to establish the identity of the suspect and the motivation behind this frenzied attack continue today. “Our enquiries include door to door enquiries in the area and the examination of hours of CCTV footage from a number of surrounding locations.
“I am grateful to those people who have already come forward to speak with us and urge anyone with information who hasn’t yet been in touch to call us without delay. “Even the smallest piece of information could corroborate something we have already been told, or might be the missing part of the timeline of events that we are building.
“It is our mission to remove dangerous weapons, and the dangerous people who use them, from London’s streets. Please help us make your city safer by telling us what you know.” Someone had forced their way into the victim’s home and repeatedly stabbed him, detectives said. The man’s family has been informed.
Detectives said they had begun a murder inquiry but no arrests had been made.
One local, who chose to remain anonymous, told MyLondon’s reporter at the scene: “It’s terrible. This is the third in three years in this area. People don’t like to talk because they’re scared of reprisals.”
Local resident Lizah, 66, said: “I’ve lived here for 15 years. There are a lot of bad things going on here, I see blue lights and I just check my doors are locked and pray to God. It’s sad, very very sad. I don’t know the boy who died but here we’re all family and it feels like we all lose a son.”
Another local man, 34, added: “I don’t really know much other than a guy was murdered, but it’s disturbing – it’s shocking to have that happen so close to you in such a nice area.”
A local community support officer, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “I’ve lost count of the amount of stabbings that have happened in Newham recently.” He added that the situation in the Borough is getting ‘worse and worse’.
Mum of three, 30-year-old Tash, who has lived on the estate for over five years said: “I didn’t see what happened as I was at work yesterday, I just can’t wrap my head around it […] I hope they catch the guy, it feels like things are getting worse around here every month, or every week even, with another fight or knives around or something.”
Some residents are so affected that they are considering moving away. Mary Dean, 71, told MyLondon that she tries not to leave the house “unless I have to”.
“I feel intimidated quite easily as there’s so much noise and I do find it scary, I really do,” she said. “I’ve been trying to organise a move for myself for a long time but it’s so hard and there aren’t many places. This is what I can get at the moment so I’ll stick it out, but you hear of murders like this, especially forcing your way into someone’s house. It doesn’t make me feel any better, I won’t lie.”
