Case Against Man Dropped Over Chigwell Killing

3 April 2014, 12:18 | Updated: 3 April 2014, 12:30

Police and prosecutors have dropped the case against a 20 year-old accused over a fatal stabbing in Essex after hitting a wall of silence among witnesses.

Ayodele Osifuwa (pictured), 17, died two months after being found stabbed in the leg on a grass verge in Limes Avenue, Chigwell, in December.

Marcus Audain, 20, of no fixed address, was charged with grievous bodily harm with intent.

But Essex Police said the case against him had been discontinued.

Detective Chief Inspector Lucy Morris said: "The Crown Prosecution Service and ourselves have taken the decision to discontinue the case against Marcus Audain at this stage.

The inquiry team have been left frustrated with the response from people living on the Limes Farm estate, and equally the family are disappointed and saddened by the lack of community assistance.

We definitely know that there a number of witnesses to the attack in December who have chosen not to speak to us or have been unco-operative. Again, we urge those people to come forward and talk to us in confidence.''

Two other people, a 20-year-old man from Ilford in east London, and a 17-year-old boy from Walthamstow, east London, are on police bail pending further inquiries. Both were arrested on suspicion of assault.

Witnesses should contact Harlow's Major Investigation Team on 01279 621802 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.