Teen Found Guilty of Schoolboy’s Fatal Stabbing in Stratford
A 16-year-old has been convicted of murdering 15-year-old Michael Irving in a chilling Stratford stabbing. The South London teen was found guilty at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 12 March. His 15-year-old accomplice had earlier pleaded guilty. Both face sentencing on 17 April.
Sinister Plan Lured Michael to His Death
Michael, from Woolwich, was lured into a deadly trap by the two boys. CCTV shows Michael meeting the pair at Stratford, after arranging to meet via Snapchat. Witnesses saw the group fist-bump happily—just minutes before the attack.
At 6.40pm on 3 September 2019, a passerby discovered Michael stabbed multiple times on Tennyson Road near Byford Close flats. Despite frantic CPR attempts and emergency crews racing to the scene, Michael was declared dead at 7.45pm, just over an hour after the attack.
CCTV and Quick Police Work Nail the Killers
- CCTV captured the chilling moments before and after the stabbing, showing the suspects changing clothes to hide their identities.
- The 16-year-old was filmed removing the murder weapon from hidden tracksuit layers and stashing it in a rucksack.
- The teens tried to flee back to Goodmayes but were stopped for no valid ticket—leading to their arrest.
Both teens were swiftly arrested, charged, and brought to justice thanks to the fast police investigation led by Detective Chief Inspector Mark Wrigley.
Justice for Michael, But Questions Remain
The motive remains unclear. Court heard Michael had spent some time with the 16-year-old before the attack and was reportedly happy to see his ‘friends’ on the day.
“It is satisfying that the jury saw through the accused’s denials and we now have justice for Michael and his loved ones,” said DCI Wrigley. “Michael was a person with aspirations and promise… Our thoughts remain with his family.”
Keep London Streets Safe: Report Knife Crime Anonymously
The Met continues to prioritise violent crime, working day and night to remove weapons and bring offenders to justice.
If you know someone carrying a knife, help protect your community by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. No names asked, no trace of call or IP address.
