More than 2,500 people marched through north London in protest against knife crime following the murder of a 17-year-old.

The crowds walked in unison from Orchard Place in Tottenham, where Ali Baygören was killed, to Edmonton police station on Monday evening.

Ali died after he was stabbed in the early hours of Saturday morning (June 18) outside his home on his way to work. Emergency services attended but he died at the scene.

Ali’s death has sparked a huge community response with flowers and a photo of the teenager left by his home.

Enfield Independent: Flowers left in Ali's memory alongside a photo of the 17-year-old who was killed outside his home. Credit: Paul BurnhamFlowers left in Ali's memory alongside a photo of the 17-year-old who was killed outside his home. Credit: Paul Burnham (Image: Paul Burnham)

The killing has also prompted calls for action. Organisers said in a poster advertising a march: “No more deaths — let Ali Baygoren be the last!

It added: “He has left behind a devastated family and a mother in pain, anguish and mourning.

“His friends, neighbours and our entire community are infuriated. We seek justice and reiterate that our children are not born to become a statistic or the subject of impassive news articles about ‘another stabbing.’

Enfield Independent: A poster that was created to demonstrate against Ali's death and knife crimeA poster that was created to demonstrate against Ali's death and knife crime

The protest, which was supported by Ali’s family, saw people walk from Tottenham to Edmonton from 7pm on Monday.

It lasted over an hour, travelling from the A1010 near the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium up to the North Circular.

Escorted by a police van, the walk came to a close outside Edmonton police station, where many of the attendees sat down.

Enfield Independent: Outside Edmonton police station. Credit: Paul BurnhamOutside Edmonton police station. Credit: Paul Burnham

During the walk, crowds held banners and placards that read ‘Stop gang violence’, ‘stop knife crime’, and ‘cuts hurt kids’ pointing towards cuts to youth services and “demanding” funding for the youth is “returned”.

Ali’s face was on many of the posters as demonstrators, many of whom were from the Turkish and Kurdish community, let their feelings known.

Enfield Independent: On the march. Credit: Paul BurnhamOn the march. Credit: Paul Burnham

Fredi Gentz, London regional organiser for ACORN – an organisation fighting for a “fairer deal” for communities, spoke at the event.

He said: “I am saddened because a young man, a child in fact, has been taken from our community far too soon, yet again.

“But also, I am angry. We have to say enough is enough. We have to organise together and fight for our youth services, fight for our community centres, fight for our children's lives and their children’s future.”

 

 

Haringey Council leader Cllr Peray Ahmet said he is “devastated” that another young person has been murdered.

Sending his condolences to Ali’s family, the Labour politician added: “We will continue to work closely with the police and our communities and take every measure possible to prevent this kind of crime happening again."

 

 

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed a 15-year-old boy has been charged with murder.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Willesden Magistrates Court on Monday.

Two other boys – aged 16 and 17 – were also arrested on suspicion of murder. They have both been bailed pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information about this investigation or any witnesses are asked to call 101, ref 3580/18jun.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.