The mother of a 14-year-old boy who who died earlier this week from stab wounds paid an emotional tribute today to the latest victim of London's knife crime crisis.

David Idowu died on Monday, three weeks after being knifed in the chest and stomach in a confrontation with a group of youths. He was the 19th teenager to die a violent death in the capital so far this year and also the youngest.

Grace Idowu, a 48-year-old checkout assistant, said in a public message: "We love you David, but God loves you more. May your heart and soul rest in peace."

David was attacked in Southwark, South London. Detectives say that he may have been targeted because of his distinctive blue and grey Walworth Academy uniform.

Mrs Idowu said: "David gave his life to Jesus Christ when he was 10 years old. The thief does not come except to steal and kill and to destroy, but Jesus Christ came that we may have life and have it more abundantly. David is with his heavenly father but we shall see him again."

His father Tim Idowu, a 56-year-old bus driver, said that his son had been a thoughtful boy who wondered what would happen in the future.

He had recently visited Madam Tussaud's to have his picture taken with the waxwork effigy of Bill Clinton, the former US president whom he admired.

"Our lives can never be the same again," he said.

Police have yet to say whether a 16-year-old remanded in custody last month accused of David Idowu's attempted murder will now be charged with murder.

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