FRIENDS of a murdered Edmonton schoolboy have paid tearful tributes after he was stabbed to death.

Schoolfriends of 14-year-old Leroy James brought flowers and personal tributes to Ponders End Recreation Ground a day after the teenage was stabbed to death.

Ben Grant, 14, who went to school with Leroy at Nightingale School until last year said he loved a practical joke and was very popular with his classmates.

He said: “He was there when you always needed him, he was so funny – the class joker.

“When I woke up this morning, my mum came in and said Leroy had been stabbed. He liked making people laugh and I just know he was a great kid.”

Friends – many in tears – hugged each other outside the gates of the park, as Father Matthew Newcombe, from St Matthew's Church in Ponders End led a prayer vigil for the murdered boy this afternoon.

Among the crowd was Leroy's father, also called Leroy James, who spoke through his tears about the last time he talked to his son.

The 41-year-old scrap metal dealer said: “I'm just trying to keep sane. For me he will be forever remembered.

“I spoke to him in the morning and he was just going to see his friends and going to play games.

“I was at home and his friend just said did I know what had happened. He said Leroy had been stabbed.”

Leroy was attacked close to the basketball court in the park following an altercation, police said.

Paramedics and an air ambulance were called out but the Aylward Academy student was declared dead at the scene.

A murder hunt has been launched and police have appeal for anyone who was in the park yesterday afternoon to come forward and call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.