Regis anger over nephew's murder

Olympic sprinter John Regis has spoken of his anger over the stabbing to death of his teenage nephew in east London at the weekend.

Adam Tracy Regis, 15, died in hospital after being stabbed in the chest and abdomen in a quiet residential street on Saturday night while returning home from the cinema.

Police said Adam lived within "a bus ride" of the murder scene in Boundary Road, Upton Park, which is not far from West Ham United's football ground. Police are hunting two black men who were seen running away.

Athlete John Regis, who won medals at Olympic, European and Commonwealth level said: "I am disappointed and angry. This is not something that you prepare yourself for.

"You watch TV and you think, that's somebody else, and when it's you it's not very nice at all. He was doing well in school and he just loved sport, enjoying himself and the outdoors. He was just a normal kid growing up.

"He had not got himself into any trouble as far as we know. He had a bit of time off school like anybody else but it looks like he was in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Mr Regis said Adam - who was also related to former England footballer Cyrille Regis - was "a great kid growing up, enjoying life" which had been stolen from him.

Headteacher Joan Deslandes, of Kingsford Community School in Beckton, spoke of her shock and sadness over the death of a "model pupil" and a "delightful" and "bubbly" young man.

Ms Deslandes said in a statement: "The whole school community is extremely saddened and shocked by the news of Adam's death.

"At this difficult time our thoughts are with his family to whom we express our heartfelt sympathy and condolences. Adam was a delightful, bubbly young man who worked hard and was happy in school.

"His attendance and punctuality were excellent. He was always polite, popular with everyone and was a reading mentor for younger pupils. He loved sport, particularly rugby and football, and was studying for a GCSE in PE.

"He was looking forward to going to college to further his education. Adam was a pleasure to have around the school and we will always remember him with a smile on his face. Adam really was a model pupil. This is a tragic loss to everyone."

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Stevenson, who is leading the inquiry, said two members of the public were walking in Boundary Road at 9.26pm on Saturday night when they heard shouting and voices raised that sounded like three people.

The victim emerged from Kingsland Road and collapsed on the ground. He was taken to Newham Hospital, but died just before 11pm.

Mr Stevenson has appealed for two young black men in grey "hoodies" who were seen running away to come forward, or for anyone who knew them to call 020 8345 1570.

Adam's death is latest in a spate of killings of youngsters in the capital. On Wednesday evening, 16-year-old Kodjo Yenga was stabbed to death while walking with his girlfriend in Hammersmith in west London.

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