Appeal issued as detectives probe fatal stabbing near Mossbourne
Detectives have named two young men they wish to trace as part of the investigation into the fatal stabbing of Elijah Seriki, 23, in Hackney. Officers launched a murder inquiry after Mr Seriki was attacked on Monday 13 July near Mossbourne Community Academy. He died a short time later in Hackney Downs, despite efforts by paramedics.
The Metropolitan Police say they want to speak to Cavalli Harriott, 22, who is believed to be from Hackney, and Jayqwan Stevens-Burke, 23, who is known to frequent both Hackney and Grays, Essex. Officers are urging anyone who knows where either man is to get in touch immediately.
“We continue to carry out extensive enquiries to build up a picture of the events of that afternoon.
We are now appealing to the public to help us progress our investigation and would urge anyone who knows the whereabouts of Cavalli Harriott and/or Jayqwan Stevens-Burke to contact police,”
said Detective Chief Inspector Dave Whellams, who is leading the investigation.
Victim named; urgent call for information
Police were called shortly after 1.40pm on the day of the attack following reports of a stabbing close to the school. Mr Seriki was treated at the scene before being taken to nearby Hackney Downs, where he died. The investigation remains active and, at this stage, officers have not reported any arrests.
In an earlier update on Monday, Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley from the Met's Specialist Crime Command said officers were working quickly to identify those responsible and that patrols would remain in the area while enquiries continued.
Men sought by police
The force has released names and images and is appealing directly to residents. Anyone who sees either individual is advised not to approach them but to contact police straight away with location details.
| Name | Age | Links/Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Cavalli Harriott | 22 | Hackney |
| Jayqwan Stevens-Burke | 23 | Hackney; Grays, Essex |
What residents can do
Police are calling for any witnesses from the middle of the day on Monday, including people who were near the school, in Hackney Downs or on surrounding streets. Officers are especially keen to hear from anyone with CCTV, doorbell footage or dashcam recordings that may show activity in the minutes before or after 1.40pm.
- Information can be provided by calling 101 and quoting reference 4139/13Jul.
- To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
- In an emergency or if you see either named individual, call 999.
The killing, close to a busy secondary school and popular local park, has understandably unsettled many families in the area. Officers have maintained a visible presence while house-to-house enquiries continue. Parents collecting pupils and residents using the park on weekday afternoons are being asked to stay alert and share any detail—no matter how small—that could help piece together the timeline.
Community impact and next steps
The location of the attack, close to school gates and within walking distance of Hackney Downs, underscores the daytime nature of the incident and the potential for community witnesses. Detectives are building a picture of movements in and around the streets linking the academy and the park and are piecing together accounts from passers-by, local businesses and bus riders who may have seen or heard something at the time.
As with all major investigations, the priority is corroborating witness testimony with physical and digital evidence. That includes securing nearby camera footage before it is overwritten and mapping possible routes taken to and from the scene. Officers stress that even a partial description, number plate fragment or a snippet of video can prove vital.
Residents who live or work near Mossbourne Community Academy and around Hackney Downs are encouraged to check devices and share clips covering the early afternoon period on 13 July. The police request extends to cyclists and drivers who may have passed through the area with helmet cams or dashcams running.
Anyone who has already contacted officers but has not yet given a formal statement is encouraged to do so at the earliest opportunity. The investigation team will continue to update the public as soon as they can release further verified information.
