Man in wheelchair stabbed to death in east London

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man in a wheelchair was stabbed to death in east London on Wednesday.

The Metropolitan Police say officers were called to reports of a fight on Rushmore Road, Clapton, at 15:38 and found a man with a stab injury.

Jade Anthony Barnett, 38, was treated by paramedics but died at the scene, police say.

His sister Simone Barnett described him as a “cheerful and caring” man.

Ms Barnett, 45, from Hackney, explained that her brother had lived in Clapton with his mother, but his friends said he had moved to the Stratford area.

“He comes around here [Clapton] all the time, everyone knew my brother – young, old, mothers, fathers, everybody knew my brother,” she said.

“Everybody is family, he’s just that character.”

Mr Barnett’s friends say he lost his leg in a motorcycle accident in 2007.

On Wednesday evening, a black and grey electric wheelchair could be seen behind the police cordon close to a forensics tent at the scene.

The wheelchair and tent are on Overbury Street, overlooked by a housing estate, with the cordon stretching on to Rushmore Road.

Two men, aged 28 and 21, have been arrested and remain in custody at an east London police station, the Met said in a statement.

Det Ch Supt James Conway said the investigation was still in the early stages and detectives were working to establish the circumstances.

“A number of streets have been cordoned off as our investigation continues at pace and I am grateful for the patience of the local residents of Clapton,” he said.

“Our thoughts are with the family of the victim at this difficult time.

“The public can expect to see continued and significant police activity in the local area as we continue with our rigorous investigation.”