Friends of a schoolboy who was killed after he was stabbed in Bethnal Green have spoken of their loss.

Joel Adesina, 15, who lived in Dagenham, died in hospital in the early hours of Saturday morning after being stabbed in the stomach on Friday night.

The keen footballer, who played for several teams, was a former Eastbury pupil and a student at a further education college.

Speaking to the Advertiser, Fahid Hussian, who was in the year above Joel at school, described him as a “good, fun guy”.

“He was always fun to be around and joking about,” he said. “He was one of the good ones.”

In a statement, Eastbury School headteacher David Dickson said the community was grieving “the sad loss of a young man with his whole life in front of him”.

“We have been shocked and saddened by this tragic news,” he continued.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.”

Meanwhile Joel’s friends have flooded social media with tributes.

A picture of Joel with friend Mark Obora posted on Twitter has been retweeted 65 times and favourited 57 times.

31:07:14 (@AmyyEdwardss_) wrote: “Another young boy gone far too soon... R.I.P Joel <3”

aisha_ (@BossChik3) wrote: RIP Joel. To think my talk with you last week was our last. You shouldn’t have gone but you’re in a better place now. Until we meet again x”

Witnesses or anyone with information about the fight or stabbing are being urged to call the incident room on 020-8345 3734, the non-emergency line on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.