Tributes to Luke Harwood, 18, as four face murder charges

The four, and one other person, have also been charged with perverting the course of justice after Luke Harwood, 18, died from severe head injuries.

Police and forensic teams searched the Broadmead Playing Fields in Woodford Green – where Luke’s body was found – and a house in Crow Lane, Romford, was cordoned off during the week.

Davis Davenport, 19, met Luke when they were pupils at the Arc Pupil Referral Unit in Albert Road, Romford.

He said: “I knew him for years, he was like my brother. He had two young kids.

“When someone told me about it I didn’t believe them, I’m still in shock now. He was just a decent bloke.”

A Facebook group called RIP Luke Harwood had more than 150 members at the time the Recorder went to press yesterday (Thurs).

Hannah Page wrote on the group: “Can’t believe it’s happened to you. Just want you back in my arms.

“Just wanna hold you tight. I promise you Archie will know who his daddy was and how much you love him.

“I will never forget you and you’ll always be in my heart.”

Tributes were also posted on the Recorder website.

Jay Byrne wrote: “I will miss seeing you and talking to you. Luke was a dear friend that everyone loved.”

James Danby, 26, of no fixed abode, has been charged with murder and two counts of perverting the course of justice.

Kahalid Hassan, 19, of Crow Lane, Romford, has been charged with murder and one count of perverting the course of justice.

Tony O’Toole, 29, of Crow Lane, Romford, has been charged with murder and two counts of perverting the course of justice.

Emma Hall, 20, of Crow Lane, Romford, has been charged with murder and two counts of perverting the course of justice.

Another person, Billy Duggan, 20, also of Crow Lane, Romford, has been charged with two counts of perverting the course of justice.

They were all due to appear at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Keep up-to-date with all the latest at www.romfordrecorder.co.uk.