Detectives have launched a murder investigation following the death of a keen footballer, Gokhan Durmus, who was stabbed in the neck.

Gokhan Durmus, 22, was knifed on Saturday February 7 at around 9.30pm, after being approached by two men in his parked black Mazda 2 car in Chatham Place, near to Meeting Field Path, Homerton.

Mr Durmus managed to drive himself around the corner to Homerton Hospital, but was then transferred to the Royal London where he was put on a life support machine before dying from his injuries nine days later.

Det Ch Insp Andy Partridge from the Met’s homicide and major crime command in Hendon, said: “Gokhan suffered a very serious stab wound to the neck and was critically injured, despite the attempts of the professionals they were unable to save him.

“It was distressing for the family – he was in hospital for such a long time.”

Det Ch Insp Partridge said Mr Durmus had grown up in Hackney and his family had recently moved to Walthamstow.

He added: “Gokhan comes from a close family, he has two younger siblings, and has a large number of friends who have all been left devastated by this incident.

“They are finding it very difficult to deal with what has taken place.

“He was a good footballer since a young age and was called up for the under-15s Turkish football squad at some point, he was a young lad with his life ahead of him and unfortunately this incident has taken him away.”

A 21-year-old man appeared at the Old Bailey Court this morning charged with murder, and was remanded in custody. A second man, 18, was arrested and released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Det Ch Insp Partridge is still appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

“Chatham Place is a busy residential area and I am sure that there would have been people out and about who may have seen something that could help us,” he added.

Anyone with information should call 020 8358 0300.