The devastated family of a young boxer from Crouch End, who was knifed to death outside a party, have made an emotional plea for justice.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Mahad Hussein Ali was stabbed to death in Park Royal (Picture: Met police)Mahad Hussein Ali was stabbed to death in Park Royal (Picture: Met police) (Image: Archant)

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murdering Mahad Ali, 18, but no one has been charged.

Mahad, a long-time member of Islington Boxing Club, was stabbed outside an Eid party in Coronation Road, Park Royal, on June 29.

In a fresh statement released by police, his family said: “We appeal to anyone who saw the attack or know anything about it to come forward and help the police in their effort to arrest the killers.

“Mahad is terribly missed by family and friends. His sudden and violent death has left a huge void in our family structure.

“Our shock and sorrow remain unabated. The last weeks have been a very stressful time for our entire family, especially for Mahad’s younger brother.

“Our son was an easy-going young man who showed respect to everyone with whom he came in contact.

“Mahad loved boxing and belonged to Islington Boxing Club for the last decade. Until his violent death, Mahad was attending Westminster Kingsway College.”

Detectives believe between 40 and 50 people attended the party.

Mahad was stabbed outside during a fight, and police were called at about 2.30am.

Officers battled to save him and he was taken to hospital, but he was pronounced dead two hours later.

Det Ch Insp Luke Marks, who is leading the investigation, said: “It is of paramount importance that those who attended and saw the events leading up to the stabbing or the incident itself come forward to talk with us.

“I appreciate that there maybe some apprehension about approaching police, but I would ask that they do not delay in making that vital decision to speak to us.”

Two men, 41 and 26, were arrested on suspicion of murder. The former was released under investigation while the latter was bailed.

A third man, 21, was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder.

He has also been released under investigation.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 020 8358 0200 or tweet @MetCC. To give information anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555