Detectives investigating the fatal stabbing of Charlie Kutyauripo are offering a £10,000 reward for any information that leads to the arrest of a teenage murder suspect.

Charlie, 16, of Collier Row Lane, Collier Row, was killed outside a birthday party at Ashton Playing Fields, Chigwell Road, Woodford Bridge, on January 9.

Police are trying to trace Aaron Alexander Tavares-Gaiete, 16, their main suspect.

Aaron was seen running away from the social club and was seen in Snakes Lane East.

The last confirmed sighting of the teenager was in the Stratford area on Saturday, January 10.

He was seen wearing a dark hooded jacket with a yellow motif on the left sleeve, dark coloured trousers and trainers. He was also carrying a distinctive black “man bag” with a white Nike logo.

Aaron is described as black, 5ft 10ins tall, of slim build with facial hair.

Charlie’s brother, Dennis, 21, said: “We are appealing to anybody to come forward with information because it could have happened to their family. If this happened to them I am sure they would want answers too.

“Charlie was someone I turned to all the time,” he added. “He was younger than I am but in my whole life I have not met anyone who understood me like he did.”

Det Ch Insp Mark Lawson, from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, who is leading the investigation, said he believes there are people who may be helping Aaron by offering him places to stay or money.

“If you are doing that through loyalty to Aaron it’s important that you understand that you leave yourself open to arrest, assisting an offender is a serious offence,” he said.

“If you are worried about speaking out and contacting the police, then we can offer you support, reassurance and also confidentiality.

“If you know where Aaron is, or have information about who may be helping him then please get in touch with us.

“I know that Aaron’s family are growing increasingly concerned about where he is, and I would urge Aaron to get in touch with us so we can speak to him and reassure his family that he is safe and well.

“Charlie’s family deserve answers, they are devastated by his loss, and they want answers.

“We will continue with our efforts to find Aaron and piece together exactly what led to the disagreement that night that has had such tragic consequences.”

Four people have been arrested in connection with this investigation.

Anyone with any information can call the investigation team on 020 8358 0200, the police non-emergency line on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.