AN 18-year-old boy died in a fatal stabbing near Teddington yesterday afternoon.

The teenager was rushed to hospital with stab wounds after he was attacked in broad daylight at Craneford Playing Fields in Twickenham. He was pronounced dead an hour later.

Young onlookers appear to have filmed the violent attack with their smartphones and police are asking witnesses not to share footage on social media out of respect for the victim's family.

This morning officers were seen patrolling the playing fields which are located near Richmond College and overlooked by a number of houses.

Local MP Munira Wilson, Richmond Council Leader Gareth Roberts and the Met's South-West London police chief have offered their condolences to the victim's family who are being supported by specialist officers.

Ms Wilson described the death as "tragic news." She said: "My thoughts and prayers are with the family of the teenager who lost his life."

Mr Roberts said: "This is incredibly sad news. This borough has a well-deserved reputation for being a safe borough, therefore incidents like this tend to stand out. I hope those responsible will be brought to justice."

It is not known if any students from nearby Richmond College were involved in the tragedy, however there is a history of antagonism with local residents and youngsters.

The incident in Twickenham comes aftera 14-year-old boy was stabbed at Teddington Lock in June this year.

The stabbing led to calls for a greater police presence on the streets backed by Twickenham MP Wilson, the Council, and Richmond Park MP Sarah Olney.

Wilson also called for Teddington police station not to be shut down and sold after plans to close the station were revealed in August.

In her letter to London's Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime she said: "I believe a more visible police presence, including an operational police station, with a front counter in the area would be beneficial."

Police confirmed this morning that officers and the London Ambulance Service (LAS) were called at 4.45pm on Tuesday to reports of a stabbing in Craneford Way, Twickenham.

They found an 18-year-old man who is believed to have sustained knife wounds. He was taken by LAS to an outer London hospital where he was pronounced dead at 5.45pm.

His next of kin are aware and are being supported by specialist officers. This morning a crime scene and cordons remain in place and at this early stage there have been no arrests.

Detective Chief Inspector Vicky Tunstall said: "The incident occurred in a playing field area and was witnessed by a number of people.

"Some of those people are believed to have filmed events as they unfolded; I ask that any videos are not shared via social media to avoid causing the young man's family any more distress at this already incredibly difficult time for them.

"Instead, please go to the police immediately. A number of people have spoken to us, but we need to hear from anyone who has information that could help.

"We're working to establish the motive behind this tragic incident and following a number of leads. If you believe you can help us, then please make contact."

Chief Superintendent Elisabeth Chapple, commander for policing in south-west London, said: "Our thoughts are with the young victim and his family at this awful time.

"No young person should lose their life in London and we will do all we can to support out colleagues with their investigation.

"Local residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area. If anyone has any concerns, or information that could help, I encourage them to contact those officers and tell us what they know."

Anyone who witnessed this incident or has footage is asked to call police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting 5697/12OCT.

Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting here.