Promising footballer dies in stabbing

Published on Saturday 23 May 2009 18:59

A 13-YEAR-OLD boy was arrested last night in connection with the death of a talented young footballer who was stabbed in the neck and left to die on a city street.

Police on patrol in Hackney, east London, found the teenager lying in the street early yesterday morning and he was pronounced dead soon afterwards.

The boy, Jahmal Mason-Blair, 17, had dreamed of becoming a professional footballer, according to friends and family who visited the scene to pay their respects and lay floral tributes. He had attended the Tottenham Hotspur development centre for young players.

Jahmal's half-brother Shaun Mason, 30, said the boy's father, Wesley Blair, collapsed when he heard of his son's death and was taken to hospital.

Their mother, Tetela Rafeal, who lives in Florida, was making plans to fly back to the UK.

"Jahmal was meant to be coming to stay with his cousin last night but he never made it," said Mason.

Family friend Connie Drew described Jahmal as "a great kid". She said: "He liked football and wanted to become a professional. That's the worst thing: he had a goal in his life and he was pursuing it."

Jahmal's friend Eddie Munnelly said they met at Tottenham Hotspur. "He was a good player but always struggled with his size and only really shot up recently. He had another trial recently at Reading as well."

Police said Jahmal died after suffering a puncture wound to the neck, although they did not yet know what caused it. He was found in Amhurst Road, Hackney, shortly before 1am.