The 16-year-old boy who was stabbed in the chest outside a birthday party on Sunday morning was a promising footballer.

Wesley Sterling played for Seymour Villa football club based in Bromley.

It was founded in 2001 by Martin King and his family in memory of a talented young footballer Danny Wandangu, 16, who bled to death after being stabbed in the chest in 2000.

Mr King, who knows Wesley’s family, said he was shocked at the parallels between the senseless killings of the two young men. Wesley played for the club for five years.

He said: “Wesley was a very good young man, a credit to his father.

"He was do anything for anyone in the club. He was well mannered and conducted himself very well both on and off the football pitch.

"I am angry, I am shocked and I am devastated.

“This club was set up in memory of Danny Wandangu who was murdered, this is the second one in nine years. It is just so tragic.

“I spoke to his father Mark, yesterday, he just kept on saying ‘thank you’ to everyone for being there, he was devastated.”

Wesley Sterling, from South Norwood, was stabbed shortly after midnight outside a 16th birthday party at Croydon Sports Arena.

Despite efforts to save his life he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police and ambulance crews were called after a disturbance outside the party on Albert Road, South Norwood at 12.18am.

They found the 16-year-old, who had been stabbed in the chest, in a walkway near the club.

A spokesman said: "Police are appealing for information about the stabbing and an earlier incident at the same venue.

"At approximately 11pm Saturday April 17 a group of six to eight males tried to gate crash the same venue which was holding a 16th birthday celebration.”

Detective Inspector Alison Hepworth investigating from HSCC said: "We know there were many guests at the party and would appeal to them to come forward with information on what happened."

More than 1,000 friends have joined tribute pages set up on facebook to Wesley.

Garry Watson wrote: "I am totally stunned and shocked by your senseless murder. I hadn't seen you in a while and I still hold onto the image of you being 10 or 12.

"You will always be in my thoughts. I will do anything I can to help your family get thru this."

Grace Inductivo wrote: "R.I.P Wesley. Enough is enough the violence has to stop too many people getting hurt.

"Your with God now at peace and Im at peace knowing that he has another angel up there with him. My love and prayers go out to your family."

Henry Timson said: "I will really miss Wesley aka Solemn he was a good friend, funny guy, he had plans of becoming a music artist and everyone has love for him. Gone but not forgotten."

Mark Laing wrote: "Fam I never in my life thought this would be you, Don, I swear down I'm cryin now. I love you fam. Dis is madness."

His friends say he was due to turn 17 in May.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the incident room in Sutton 0208 721 4005 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder and possession of an offensive weapon. He has been bailed until June.