One more death hours before mass knife rally

A man stabbed to death on the eve of an anti-knife crime march was attacked on the doorstep of a social club built to "heal the community" after the Brixton riots.

Lucan Gordon had his throat cut outside Brixton Sports and Social Club just hours before 2,000 people marched through London in protest at the escalating death toll among young people.

The 23-year-old, originally from Jamaica, was found outside the Domino Club, in Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, at 9pm on Friday. Friends said he had celebrated his birthday the day before.

A post mortem gave the cause of death as a stab wound to the neck.

It is believed he was outside the club with a group of people when he was attacked by one man.

Mr Gordon, from West Norwood, left a trail of blood from the door of the club to the front gate where he collapsed. He was taken to hospital but pronounced dead on arrival.

Police are examining CCTV footage. There have been no arrests.

Flowers, tributes and messages of condolence were left at the scene. One tribute, from Marlene, read: "I will always remember you in my heart Ziggy. Love you," while another said: "To Lucan, aka Piggy. Gone but not forgotten. God took you because he had a better plan. It just seems so unreal. Miss you lots. Tanese."

Donatus Anyanwu, Lambeth's cabinet member for community safety, said: "Today is a sad day. Especially when you think this club was built in the Eighties as a direct result of the Brixton riots to heal the community."

On Saturday, 60 families of victims of violence joined thousands of campaigners at The People's March calling for an end to gun and knife crime.

Actress Brooke Kinsella, the sister-of Ben who was stabbed to death in June, and Richard Taylor, father of Damilola Taylor, who died in 2000, were at the rally when the two marches met.

Mr Taylor, 59, said: "We all have to come together to say 'enough is enough'."

Barry Mizzen, father of 16-yearold Jimmy who was stabbed this year in a south-east London bakery, said: "I'm encouraged by the fact there are so many people here raising awareness. I am more than glad to be here today if it helps make a difference, and in memory of our son."

The march ended with a peace rally in Hyde Park. Bereaved families took to the stage while a gospel choir performed. The crowd observed a minute's silence.