Key Points:
- Josh McKay, a 33-year-old father-of-two from Waltham Forest, was stabbed in the neck on Saturday.
- The fatal attack occurred on Lea Bridge Road, a busy high street in east London, shortly before 3pm.
- Emergency services, including London’s Air Ambulance, attended the scene, but McKay was pronounced dead.
- A post-mortem confirmed his cause of death as a single stab wound to the neck.
- A 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.
- A 38-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and has been released on bail.
- The Metropolitan Police are conducting an extensive investigation, including CCTV reviews.
- McKay’s family described their grief, saying, “The heart of our family has stopped beating.”
- MP Stella Creasy has urged witnesses to come forward to help bring the perpetrator to justice.
A fatal stabbing on Saturday afternoon has left a community in shock after 33-year-old father-of-two, Josh McKay, was attacked on Lea Bridge Road, Leyton. The incident unfolded at approximately 3pm, prompting an urgent response from emergency services, including the Metropolitan Police, the London Ambulance Service, and London’s Air Ambulance. Despite their efforts, McKay was pronounced dead at the scene.
Who has been arrested in connection with the murder?
Authorities have confirmed that a 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He is currently in custody as detectives continue their inquiries. Additionally, a 38-year-old woman was taken into custody on suspicion of assisting an offender but has since been released on bail.
What have the police said about the investigation?
Detective Chief Inspector Linda Bradley of the Specialist Crime Command stated, “Our investigation is making progress, and we have now made two arrests. We are continuing to carry out extensive enquiries, including reviewing CCTV footage, and our colleagues from the local policing team remain in the area.”
She urged the public to assist with information: “Two children have been left without a father. If you saw anything, or have information regarding the person who killed Josh, please do the right thing and call us or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.”
How has the community responded?
The attack has sent shockwaves through the local community. McKay’s family released a statement via the Metropolitan Police, saying, “The heart of our family has stopped beating. The world is less bright without his beautiful smile.”
Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy took to X (formerly Twitter) to appeal for witnesses: “Walthamstow, this is the formal plea for help to catch the killers of a young man who did so much for our community, brutally murdered on Saturday. His family is bereft, and his kids now have to face life without their beloved dad. This happened on Lea Bridge Road, and we know lots of people were around. Help us bring the killer to justice—if you can help, please come forward.”
What happens next?
The Metropolitan Police have launched a murder investigation and are continuing their forensic examination of the crime scene. Officers are analysing CCTV footage and urging witnesses to provide any information that could aid the investigation.
Authorities have encouraged anyone with relevant details to contact the police directly or provide anonymous tips via Crimestoppers.
As the investigation unfolds, residents of Waltham Forest remain on edge, calling for justice for Josh McKay and his grieving family.
