Teenager charged with Somerford Grove murder of Tashaûn Aird, 15, and GBH attack on second victim

Photographs and flower tributes form a homemade shrine for Tashaun Aird on the Somerford Grove Estate. Picture: Polly Hancock (Image: Archant)

Romaine Williams-Reid, 18, of Collier Row, Havering, will appear at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court today accused of killing the Hackney New School pupil in Somerford Grove.

He is also charged with GBH with intent in relation to a second victim who was also stabbed that night.

Police were called at 8.55pm after Tashaûn had been stabbed in the lung. Officers and then medics fought to save his life, as members of the public had already done, but he was pronounced dead just before 10pm.

Tashaûn’s family said: “Tashaûn was family orientated, he loved his family and we loved him dearly. He was passionate about his music and he loved drawing. He was a loving, caring boy with an infectious laugh.

The Somerford Grove Estate. Picture: Polly Hancock (Image: Archant)

“There are no words to avoid this empty void we now have, a huge part of us is now missing. He was a talented young boy and worked hard in his studies, particularly with his English. We are deeply shocked and saddened by our loss; we have lost a dear son, a brother, a nephew, a grandson and an uncle in Tashaûn.”

Detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command are investigating.

Anyone with information can call the incident room on 020 8721 4266.