Stabbed teenager was preparing to become a fireman

The latest victim of London's teenage knife epidemic had hoped to become a fireman, his mother said today.

Sharon Marshall said her son Craig, who died on Friday, had the application forms ready to fill in at the time of his death. Instead, he was the 27th teenager to die violently in the capital this year.

Speaking as Kandeepan Balasubramaniam, 21, of Ealing, was due to appear in court today charged with the 19-year-old's murder, Ms Marshall paid tribute to her eldest son. "He was a good brother to his brother and sister and he never gave any trouble to anyone," she said.

"He was a perfect son. He had just done his painting and decorating apprenticeship and just got the application forms to become a firefighter. We still have the forms sitting in the house."

Police told Ms Marshall her son, who lived in Hanbury Road, Acton, had been stabbed after getting into an argument with twomen outside Rufford Tower in Lexden Road, also in Acton.

She said: "The police told me there was an argument and Craig got into the guy's face and said: 'Who do you think you are?' and then the guy stabbed him.

"I went straight to the hospital. I felt weak and I was rushing a lot, I don't know - I am all confused. Why is no one doing anything about this?

"I will be going to court when this boy is there. I am going to be in there and see justice be done. It is not good enough and I will make a fuss."

However, she added: "I am happy I have got people around me. You realise what friends you have, this is a great community."

Ms Marshall also said to anybody who might be tempted to carry a knife: "Just think hard before you stab someone. You are not only taking someone's life, you are taking the whole family's life. Something stiff needs to be done."

She also vowed to join the fight against teenage knife crime, saying: "The Government has to do something about this, nothing is being done. No other mother can go through this. It has happened 27 times this year and I am now going to try and make a difference."

A second man, 20, arrested in connection with the attack, was bailed pending further enquiries.