A HARLOW Town footballer who died on Wednesday was stabbed to death in a vicious brawl in London reports the Evening Standard.

Francois Kablan, 19, was in the reserves for Harlow Town FC, scoring a hat-trick on his last appearance.

He was stabbed during a “vicious” brawl in Great Dover Street, Southwark, at around 5.20pm on Wednesday.

The teenager, described as a “great, talented kid”, died at the scene.

Paying tribute to Mr Kablan, Harlow Town vice chairman Paul Wilson said: “Francois was very well-liked here. It’s very upsetting. He was no trouble and very popular.”

Reserve team manager Adam Connolly said: “Everyone at the club is heartbroken at the sudden passing of Francois, who had only just turned 19. Francois was a wonderful person and player.

“On his last game for Harlow, he scored a superb hat-trick to win us the game and walk away with the match ball.

“He was certainly a talented footballer and one who could have gone on to feature for the first team.”

A JustGiving page to pay for the teenager’s funeral has raised more than £2,000. Police arrested three males and a female close to the scene in connection with his death.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/rip-francois-kablan

Anyone with information on the incidents is asked to call police on 101 or to remain anonymous 0800 555 111.

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Met Police report on incident

The investigation into a fatal stabbing in Southwark continues.

Officers were called at 17:28hrs on Wednesday, 13 May to Great Dover Street, SE1.

It was reported that a number of males were fighting near the location.

Police attended and found a 19-year-old man with stab injuries.

Officers carried out arrival prior to the arrival of the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance. Despite the best efforts of emergency services, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Formal identification awaits. The victim’s next of kin have been informed.

A post-mortem examination will be scheduled in due course.

Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command have begun an investigation.

Three males [A] 17, [B] 15 [C] 20 and a female [D] 18 were arrested near to the scene on suspicion of murder. All remain in police custody.

A Section 60 Order was authorised but has now expired.

Detective Chief Inspector Kate Kieran, investigating, said: “This incident happened in broad daylight and would have been witnessed by a large number of people. I know that many would have been concerned by the sound of the altercation and gone to look out the window to see what was happening.

“It is imperative that we understand exactly what happened that has led to a young man losing his life. His family need answers and we need to provide them. If you witnessed the incident, or have images or video that could assist us, please contact us immediately.”

Borough Commander for the Central South Command Colin Wingrove said: “This is a horrific incident and our first thoughts are with the victim’s family, who have lost a loved one in tragic circumstances. We are committed to bringing them the justice they deserve.

“I want to reassure local residents that they can expect to see an increased police presence in the area. If you have any concerns, or you would like to speak to police to tell them something about this incident, I would ask you to approach those officers and tell them what you know.”

Any witnesses or anyone with information are asked to call the incident room on 0208 721 4868 or 101, ref CAD 5269/ 13 May.

To remain anonymous please contact Crimestoppers.

If there are any young people who have information about violence or knife crime, they can visit fearless.org where they can pass on information anonymously. Fearless is part of the Crimestoppers charity, and is also independent of the police.

If you need help or information to support someone you suspect is involved in knife crime, or you want assistance yourself, then you can visit www.knifefree.co.uk or LondonNeedsYouAlive