Harold Hill stabbing: Jodie Chesney, 17, dies in park attack

A 17-year-old girl has been stabbed to death at a park in east London.

Jodie Chesney's grandmother said in a Facebook appeal that the stabbing - on Friday night in Harold Hill, Romford - had been an "unprovoked attack".

Jodie died at the scene, in St Neots Road, at about 21:30 GMT.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed Jodie's identity, but no arrests have yet been made. Jodie's next-of-kin have been informed and post-mortem tests are due to be held.

On Facebook, Jodie's grandmother Debbie Chesney wrote: "How have we come to this point where kids can't have a walk in a park without suffering an unprovoked attack?

"If anyone knows anything about this please contact the police with information. We don't want anyone else to go through what our family is suffering right now. This has to stop, there are too many young people having their lives cut short by needless violence."

Jodie's death comes less than a week after 20-year-old Ché Morrison was stabbed to death outside Ilford train station in east London.

Police have sealed off the park and forensic officers are at the scene.

One resident, whose flat overlooks the park, said she rushed out after her family heard a commotion and tried to help Jodie as she lay bleeding.

A small group of people cried and hugged each other after laying a bunch of flowers at the cordon with the message "we love you forever in our hearts."

Another message attached to a floral tribute said: "You are so strong. We will always remember you."

Jodie Chesney and her boyfriend Eddie Coyle. Pic: Facebook

Flowers were left at the scene, with one message reading 'RIP Angel'

Jodie was with her boyfriend on a park bench when she was attacked (Picture: Facebook)

Jodie (pictured with her dad) posted this image online with the message ‘Happy Birthday dad :)’ hours before her death

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My view: This is terrible, there's just no regard for human life. Why are human beings so cruel to each other?, police should stop and search suspects irrespective of race.