Nine charged over fatal stabbing near Olympic Park

Detectives investigating the murder of a man who was stabbed to death at a busy shopping centre just yards from the Olympic Park have charged nine people over the incident. 

Liam Woodards, 24, was knifed after a fight broke out between a large group of males at Westfield in Stratford, east London, last Friday.

Scotland Yard said three men who were originally arrested in connection with the investigation, along with a further six men who were detained over the course of weekend have been charged with violent disorder.

Michael Alvaranga, 23, of Leytonstone and Javin Righbie, 22, of Stratford, are due to appear at Barkingside Magistrates' Court later today.

Meanwhile, Jerome McLeish, 20, of Victoria Docks is to appear at Thames Magistrates' Court along with Jason Vaughan, 24, Tony Caton, 21, and Danny Caton, 23, who are all from Stratford.

Plaistow residents Rhys Regisford, 20, Emmanuel Oloyede, 19, and Michael Ndefo, 21, will also appear at the court.

A 23-year-old man arrested in connection with the investigation was cautioned for affray and released with no further action.

A 20-year-old man also arrested has been bailed to return to an east London police station in July pending further inquiries.

Mr Woodards, of Stratford, east London, was pronounced dead at the scene of the attack, which happened in a busy area of the shopping centre called The Street. A post mortem examination later revealed he died from a stab wound.

Detectives are appealing for shoppers or anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward with information.

:: Anyone who can assist should call the incident room on 0208 345 3775 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

PA