22-Year-Old Abdel Dedour Arrested in Connection With Stabbing Death of 15-Year-Old Adam Henry

The fatal stabbing of 15-year-old Adam Henry in Islington has led to the arrest of a 22-year-old man following a two-week police manhunt, marking a significant development in a case that has deeply shaken the local community and renewed concerns about serious youth violence in London. Adam was attacked in broad daylight on 9 December near Westbourne Road, a residential area in north London, and later died in hospital despite the efforts of emergency services.

Metropolitan Police confirmed that Abdel Dedour, 22, was arrested on Boxing Day on suspicion of murder, alongside four others detained on suspicion of assisting an offender. The arrest follows an intensive investigation and public appeal as detectives sought to trace those allegedly involved in the events surrounding Adam’s death.

Adam Henry was described by his family as a good-natured and loyal teenager with a wide range of interests and a warm personality. His killing has left relatives devastated and raised pressing questions about the circumstances that led to such a violent act against a child. As the investigation continues, police have emphasized their determination to bring all those responsible to justice while supporting Adam’s family through specialist officers.

Timeline of the Stabbing and Police Response

According to the Metropolitan Police, Adam Henry was stabbed at approximately 1pm on 9 December on Westbourne Road in Islington. The incident occurred in the early afternoon, a time when many people were likely to be in the area, intensifying concerns about public safety and the brazenness of the attack. Emergency services were called immediately, and officers from the Metropolitan Police, along with paramedics from the London Ambulance Service, attended the scene without delay.

Adam was treated at the scene before being rushed to hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Police confirmed that his death was being treated as murder and launched a full homicide investigation. A cordon was put in place on Westbourne Road as forensic officers examined the area for evidence, and detectives began reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to potential witnesses.

In the days following the stabbing, the Met issued a public appeal for information, urging anyone who may have seen or heard anything relevant to come forward. Officers stressed that even seemingly minor details could prove crucial in building a picture of what happened and identifying those responsible. As the investigation progressed, police carried out multiple lines of inquiry, including tracing the movements of suspects before and after the attack.

The arrest of Abdel Dedour on Boxing Day came after what police described as a two-week manhunt. Officers arrested Dedour at an address in north-west London, along with four other individuals. Three men and one woman, aged between 18 and 47, were initially detained on suspicion of assisting an offender. Police later confirmed that the 47-year-old woman was further arrested following an alleged assault on a police officer, while one of the men, aged 39, was further arrested for domestic violence and driving offences.

Met Police release cctv of Abdel Derdour, who is wanted in relation to the murder of 15-year-old Adam Henry in Westbourne Road, Islington last week.

Get him found!
pic.twitter.com/jE9I1keImb

— Tommy Robinson 🇬🇧 (@TRobinsonNewEra) December 18, 2025

All five individuals remain in custody as detectives continue questioning. The Met has not disclosed further details about the circumstances of Dedour’s arrest or the alleged roles of those suspected of assisting an offender, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. However, senior officers have described the arrests as a significant step forward in the case.

Detective Chief Inspector Allam Bhangoo, who is leading the investigation, praised the efforts of his team, stating that they had worked tirelessly over the past few weeks. He reiterated that there is no place for senseless violence on London’s streets and that those responsible for such crimes must be held accountable.

Arrests, Charges, and the Wider Investigation

The arrest of Abdel Dedour is not the only major development in the investigation into Adam Henry’s death. Prior to Dedour’s arrest, police charged another man, 20-year-old Tsidi Winion of Handyside Street in Camden, with murder and possession of an offensive weapon. Winion was charged on 15 December and is due to face trial next year. The existence of multiple arrests and charges suggests a complex investigation involving more than one suspect and raises questions about the sequence of events leading up to the fatal stabbing.

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While police have not publicly outlined how the suspects are allegedly connected, they have emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that further arrests are possible. The four individuals arrested alongside Dedour on Boxing Day are suspected of assisting an offender, an offence that can include helping a suspect evade arrest or interfering with the course of justice. Such arrests indicate that detectives believe there may have been attempts to conceal information or protect those involved after the attack.

The additional arrests for unrelated offences, including an alleged assault on a police officer and domestic violence and driving offences, highlight the volatile nature of the situation officers encountered during the Boxing Day operation. Police have confirmed that these additional matters are being dealt with separately, but all individuals remain in custody as inquiries continue. The Metropolitan Police have reiterated their appeal for information, encouraging anyone with knowledge of the incident to contact them, either directly or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Detectives have stressed that community cooperation is essential in tackling serious violence and ensuring justice for victims and their families. In homicide investigations involving young victims, police often face heightened public scrutiny and pressure to deliver swift results. The Met has sought to reassure the public that significant resources have been dedicated to the case and that specialist officers are providing ongoing support to Adam Henry’s family.

Family Tributes and Community Impact

In the aftermath of Adam Henry’s death, his family released a statement through the Metropolitan Police, offering a glimpse into the life of a teenager whose future was abruptly cut short. They described Adam as good natured and loyal, with many interests and a personality that left a lasting impression on those around him. According to his family, he was always there with a smile and a cheeky sense of humour, qualities that endeared him to friends and relatives alike.

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The family spoke of their profound grief, saying that Adam was a loving son, brother, nephew, grandson, and friend, and that they would never recover from the loss of having him in their lives. Their words underscored the deep personal toll behind the statistics of youth violence and served as a reminder that each case represents a family and community left struggling to come to terms with tragedy.

The killing has had a significant impact on the Islington community, where residents have expressed shock and sadness at the loss of such a young life. Westbourne Road, typically a quiet residential street, became the focus of a major police investigation, and the presence of cordons and forensic teams served as a stark reminder of the seriousness of the crime.

Community leaders and local representatives have echoed police calls for anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility in addressing violence. While police have not commented on any potential motives, the case has reignited wider discussions about knife crime, youth safety, and the factors that contribute to violent incidents involving young people.

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that specialist officers are continuing to support Adam’s family as the investigation progresses. Such support typically includes family liaison officers who act as a point of contact, keeping relatives informed of developments and helping them navigate the legal process ahead.

As the case moves forward, attention will turn to the forthcoming court proceedings involving those charged in connection with Adam Henry’s death. For his family, friends, and the wider community, the hope remains that justice will be served and that the circumstances surrounding his killing will be fully examined in court. The arrests mark a crucial stage in that process, but they also serve as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and the enduring impact it leaves behind.