Wheelchair-bound man stabbed to death was ‘joyous and caring’, says devastated sister | UK | News

The sister of a man stabbed to death while in a wheelchair in east London has described him as a “happy and caring” man.

The Metropolitan Police said officers were called at 3.38pm on Wednesday 28 August to reports of a fight in Rushmore Road, Clapton, and when they arrived at the scene they found a man suffering from stab wounds. He was treated by London Ambulance Service paramedics but was pronounced dead at the scene.

A black and grey electric wheelchair was seen behind the cordon near a forensic tent at the scene on Wednesday night. The wheelchair and tent are on Overbury Street, overlooked by a housing development, with the cordon extending to Rushmore Road.

The man has since been identified as Jade Anthony Barnett, 38. Jade’s sister Simone Barnett, 45, from Hackney, paid a moving tribute to her brother. She said he was “happy, cheerful, caring” and “never took anything too seriously, he laughed at everything”.

Ms Barnett continued: “He comes here (Clapton) all the time, everybody knew my brother young, old, mothers, fathers, everybody knew my brother. Everybody is part of the family, he just has that character.”

A woman who was also at the cordon and who wished to remain anonymous said: “He was always funny, cracking jokes, friendly to everyone, always had a smile on his face and was always pleasant. I have nothing bad to say about him. I have known him for a long time, he is a nice guy, very nice, I always see him, he is always pleasant. You never expect an incident like this, to be honest, but for him, he is mostly nice, it is always a pleasure to see him, he is optimistic.”

A man who knew Mr. Barnett, but who did not wish to be identified, said he was “a young man, good spirit, no enemies, no guns, no crime, no gangs.”

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

Chief Superintendent James Conway, responsible for policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: “Our investigation is still in its early stages and my detectives are working hard to establish the circumstances of what happened this afternoon.

“If anyone has any information about this tragic incident I would urge them to come forward and tell us about it, or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously with any information. A number of streets have been cordoned off as our investigation continues apace and I am grateful for the patience of local residents in Clapton.

“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family at this difficult time. The public can expect continued and significant police activity in the area as we continue our rigorous investigation.”

Anyone with information has been asked to call police on 101 or message @MetCC on X, formerly Twitter, quoting CAD 4793/28AUG.