Family tribute to fall death boy

9:25pm Thursday 21st August 2008

The family of a teenager who fell to his death from a building while fleeing a gang of youths has paid tribute to the youngster.

Ahmed Benyermak, 16, was climbing down the outside of the building when he fell, police said.

He may have feared he was about to be attacked with a knife by a hooded bicycle-riding gang.

He climbed down six floors on the outside of the tower block in Hackney, east London.

But when he reached the seventh floor his path was blocked by a metal grille and he apparently lost his footing and fell.

His family said he had been planning to go to Tower Hamlets College next month to study mechanics.

His uncle Mustapha Benyermak said: "He was a nice kid, a friendly guy. He didn't get into trouble. He was at home most of the time. He always helped people out if he could."

Ahmed's cousin Samya Riahi, 16, added: "Maybe he was too nice. He kept himself to himself. He didn't get involved in trouble."

Neighbours said Ahmed was with friends when he was chased by another gang, some of whom were carrying knives. They escaped into the Trelawney Estate and ended up gathering on a balcony on the 13th floor of the Paragon Road tower block.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident to come forward.