'It's time to put down your knives'

THE sister of a murdered teenager yesterday called for an end to youth violence, as she pleaded: "Put down your knives."

Ben Kinsella, 16, a popular GCSE student and budding actor, was stabbed to death after becoming caught up in a fight that spilled out of a north London bar in the early hours of Sunday.

His sister Brooke Kinsella, 24, best known for playing Kelly Taylor in the BBC soap EastEnders, yesterday paid tribute to a "true angel" as she spoke of her family's loss.

Miss Kinsella appeared at a press conference with parents, Debbie, 46, and George, 48 and sisters Jade, 22, and Georgia, 14.

She said the family was determined to fight in her brother's memory to make the streets safer.

A tearful Miss Kinsella said: "Ben was the 17th teenager to be killed in London this year and our hearts go out to every family who has also suffered this awful tragedy.

"Now truly is the time to stand up and put an end to this.

"Please, please let us learn from Ben and every other child that has been stolen from us. We always knew Ben would make a special mark in this world and hopefully he will be the one that finally puts an end to this."

Ben was spending Saturday night with friends at Shillibeers bar in Islington when the fight broke out.

Detectives believe several youths were ejected from the club and the trouble continued in the street.

Police believe four black youths of around Ben's age or slightly older were involved in the stabbing.

Officers recovered two knives in the local area today, although it is not yet known whether they are connected to the incident.

Detective Superintendent Vic Rae said it was unclear whether Ben was trying to escape the youths at the time that he was attacked.

Last night, Scotland Yard would not confirm reports that Ben had been attacked with four different knives, saying only that the teenager had suffered multiple stab wounds.

Two 16-year-old boys arrested in connection with the investigation have been bailed to return to a north London police station on a date in late August.

Yesterday, Ben was described as a talented student and fan of Arsenal football club who had already followed in his TV star sister's footsteps.

He appeared in an episode of ITV police drama The Bill in 2004 and took regular after-school drama classes at the Young Actors Theatre in north London for more than a year.

Bob Hamlyn, his headmaster at Holloway School in north London, paid tribute to the teenager.

He said: "He was a bright kid, very high-achieving academically, and would have had some very good results to look forward to this summer."

Yesterday, TV stars including Birds Of A Feather actress Linda Robson and EastEnders cast members Joe Swash and Charlie Hawkins visited the scene of the stabbing.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people have joined groups set up in Ben's memory on the social networking site Facebook.

Sister leads emotional family tribute to 'angel with a heart of gold'

YESTERDAY, we tragically lost not only a beautiful son and brother but a true angel.

Ben really was one of the kindest, gentlest and talented boys God has ever created.

He had a heart of gold and the love and joy he gave to everybody is proven by the vast number of people who have sent their condolences and prayers.

We thank each and every one of you for supporting us through this difficult time.

As reported, Ben was the 17th teenager to be killed in London this year and our hearts go out to every family who has also suffered this awful tragedy.

And now truly is the time to stand up and put an end to this.

Please, please let us learn from Ben and every other child that has been stolen from us.

"We always knew Ben would make a special mark in this world and, although (these are] the worst possible circumstances, hopefully he will be the one that finally puts an end to this.

My family are determined to fight in his memory to make the streets safer for our children.

Please boys and girls, put down your knives and weapons and think about the pain and suffering they will cause.

Parents, please talk to your children and encourage them to stop all this violence. Please can we waste no more time and come together as a country to ensure no other lives are wasted.

We thank you for all your support and we request you just give us time and privacy to grieve for our beautiful Ben. Thank you very much.