A DISABLED man stabbed to death had tried to get away but was stuck in his mobility scooter, a witness has claimed.
The mum and sister of 38-year-old Jade Anthony Barnett have paid tribute to him after he was killed in Clapton, east London yesterday.
Officers arrived at a residential road in the neighbourhood at around 3.40pm yesterday after reports of a fight.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics and an air ambulance, Jade died at the scene.
A witness told the Telegraph: “He was my friend. He used a wheelchair because of his amputated leg.
“He was stabbed here. He tried to get away but could not because he had his wheelchair.”
Jade’s mum Joyce Barnett told the Evening Standard: “He was loved by everyone around here.
“He was a joy, he loved life. He wouldn’t hurt a fly and would never get involved in a fight.
“How anyone could attack him in a wheelchair I don’t know. We want answers.”
Joyce said Jade has a daughter and had “bounced back” after losing a leg in a motorbike accident in his teens.
His sister Simone Barnett told the BBC: “Everyone knew my brother – young, old, mothers, fathers.
“Everybody is family, he’s just that character. He was a cheerful and caring man.”
One woman told the Express: “He was always funny, making jokes, friendly with everybody, always had a smile on his face, and always pleasant.
“There’s not a bad thing I could say about him. He’s a nice guy, very nice guy.”
A man said: “He was a young guy, good spirit, no enemies, no guns, no crime, no gangs.”
The Metropolitan Police have since arrested two men, aged 21 and 28, on suspicion of murder.
They remain in custody as the investigation is ongoing.
Police set up a cordon in the area and a crime scene remains in place.
A spokesperson for the force said: “Police were called at about 15:38hrs on Wednesday, 28 August, to reports of a fight in Rushmore Road, E5.
“Officers, the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance attended, and found a man – aged in his 30s – suffering from stab would injuries.
“Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, sadly he was pronounced dead at the scene.
“His next of kin have been notified and are being supported by specialist officers.
“Officers arrested two men – aged [A] 28 and [B] 21 – nearby on suspicion of murder. They remain in custody at an east London police station.
“A crime scene remains in place at this time.
“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full facts of what has happened.”
Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, responsible for policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, added: “Our investigation is still in the early stages and my detectives are working hard to establish the circumstances of what has happened this afternoon.
“If anyone has any information about this tragic incident I urge them to come forwards and speak to us, or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously with any information.
“A number of streets have been cordoned off as our investigation continues at pace and I am grateful for the patience of the local residents of Clapton.
“Our thoughts are with the family of the victim at this difficult time. The public can expect to see continued and significant police activity in the local area as we continue with our rigorous investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or message @MetCC on X quoting CAD 4793/28AUG.
Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
