Police are calling for witnesses to the fatal stabbing, which occurred late on Sunday (7th March), at the top of High Street market after two people were seen running away from the scene of a murder towards Walthamstow bus station.

Police believe the two people were a white woman and a black man.

The dead man is described as in his late twenties to early thirties, black, wearing blue jeans, a white t-shirt and a black puffer jacket.

In response to local concerns Lib Dem High Street Councillor, James O’Rourke, said:

“It saddens me that within 18 months of the tragic death of ‘CJ’ Hendricks we have  a second family mourning the loss of a loved one following the mindless knifing of this man over last weekend. 

“I cannot express more the need for witnesses to come forward to the police so as the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice swiftly. 

“My thoughts are with this poor man’s family.”

Following the death of ‘CJ’ Hendricks Councillor O’Rourke called for a review of the CCTV coverage in Walthamstow Town Centre. He has said he will renew his call.

An incident room has opened under DCI Phil Rickells, from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or believes they may have information to identify the victim should call 8345 1570.

To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A massive Police enquiry is under-way following the discovery of a man with suspected stab wounds in Walthamstow Town square last night.

Paramedics attended but the man was pronounced dead at the scene at about 2225 GMT.

Police said they they know his identity, but are not releasing it yet.

High Street Focus Team will post updates when received.

Following the successful Lib Dem campaign to open up the former Arcade, permission has been given to have an outdoor ice rink on the site this Winter.

Cllr James O’Rourke said: “When I heard this decision I thought what a great temporary addition to the High Street which will provide a fabulous leisure activity for all and hopefully draw visitors from far and wide to the town.”

“However, what a disappointment it was to see the dismally small ice rink Labour had plonked in the middle of this site. Far from being a Labour ‘exciting and ambitious plan’ it has made Waltham Forest a laughing stock.”

High Street Lib Dems have welcomed the creation of over one hundred new jobs following the ‘Grand Opening’ today of a Wilkinson’s store in the former Woolworths in Walthamstow High Street.

The three hundred and thirty third Wilkinson store received 4,500 application forms which were whittled down to fill the 103 jobs on offer. Four are former Woolworths  employees and eighty six, including lone parents, are now no longer registered unemployed.

Cllr James O’Rourke said at the grand opening

“In an economic downturn 100 new jobs in Walthamstow is great news. At a time when so many people are worried about their livelihoods and jobs being lost this is a boost to our local economy that is much needed.”

“The store will not only provide long term secure employment for their new employees but also benefit the market generally by drawing people to an area desperately in need of shoppers.”

Waltham Forest will join the likes of Royal Windsor, the Tower of London and Kew Gardens in providing residents and visitors the opportunity to trip the ice fantastic with their friends and family after the Planning Committee agreed the siting of an ice rink on the Arcade site this winter.

High Street Lib Dem Councillor, James O’Rourke said: “I’m delighted that our amendment to a Council motion last year has resulted in exciting events, such as the ice rink, coming to the Borough.

“This will be a great temporary addition to the High Street which will provide a fabulous leisure activity for for all and hopefully draw visitors from far and wide to the town.” 

Following the successful Lib Dem campaign to open up the former Arcade, plans have been submitted to have an outdoor ice rink on the site this Winter.

If approved Waltham Forest will join the likes of Royal Windsor, the Tower of London and Kew Gardens in providing residents and visitors the opportunity to trip the ice fantastic with their friends and family.

High Street Lib Dem Councillor, James O’Rourke said: “I’m delighted that our amendment to a Council motion last year has resulted in exciting events, such as the ice rink, coming to the Borough.

“This will be a great temporary addition to the High Street which will provide a fabulous leisure activity for all and hopefully draw visitors from far and wide to the town.” 

One of the main tasks for the group set up by High Street Liberal Democrat councillors has been to look at access and safety in the High Street. 

The Walthamstow Town Centre Task Group have implemented an experimental traffic order where no vehicles will be allowed to enter the High Street except for loading/unloading to market stalls and shops and provided a specific opportunity to clean the Pedestrian Zone after the close of market operations.

Unauthorised vehicles entering the market will be subject to enforcement action.

“The experimental traffic order clearly demonstrates that Liberal Democrat Councillors have “listened, engaged and acted” with residents, visitors and traders who have asked us to make the High Street a safer environment.” said Cllr James O’Rourke.