Police investigating the brutal slaying of 15-year-old cyclist Alan Cartwright have arrested two teenagers on suspicion of murder.
An 18-year-old handed himself into a north London police station in the early hours of yesterday (Weds) after CCTV of the callous murder circulated on the internet.
Later that morning officers arrested a 17-year-old boy in a home in Camden, north west London, also on the suspicion of Alan’s murder.
The teen is being held in custody following the murder of Alan as he cycled with friends in Caledonian Road, in Islington, north London, at around 7.45pm on Friday last week.
Alan and three friends were cycling when one man ran out in front of him and fatally plunging a knife into his chest.
The teen from Islington managed to cycle a little over 100 metres before he collapsed at the side of the road where paramedics later pronounced him dead.
Two of Alan’s friends where knocked from their bikes and the three suspects made their getaways on them.
Seasoned murder police described the attack as “truly shocking” and Alan’s mother, Michelle Watson, made an impassioned appeal for his killer to come forward.
Michelle, 39, said: “He always made you laugh about anything and everything. He was just the funny one out of his friends.
“I feel angry, I want somebody found for this. I just feel numb.
“Looking at the CCTV footage it looks like he got punched, like somebody had just hit him.
“It was so quick, he just carried on riding and two minutes up the road he is collapsed and dead. It’s like it’s not real.
“I would say to witnesses, if you’ve got any sort of conscience come forward because a brother and son is dead.”
Officers are still searching for the stolen bikes – one a red “Specialized Hard Rock” mountain bike and the other a black and red “Specialized Vita”.
Detective Chief Inspector Chris Jones said: “The footage of the suspects attacking Alan and his friends is truly shocking.
“Alan stood no chance of defending himself against his attacker who casually stepped out in front of him and stabbed him in the chest.
“Identifying and arresting the suspects is our absolute priority. We are working tirelessly and the investigation is moving at a fast pace.
“It is obvious from the footage that Caledonian Road is busy with cars and pedestrians.
“We have already spoken to a number of witnesses who have provided helpful information to the investigation; however I would like to re-appeal to anyone who may know something about Alan’s murder and the robbery of the bikes.
“Where are the two bicycles that were taken? Someone may have noticed a new bike brought home or perhaps you have been offered a similar bike for sale? If so, I would urge you to contact the police.
“I would like to reassure anyone who is worried about contacting the police that they will be treated with the utmost sensitivity.”
Police are continuing in the enquiries.
