THE father of murdered teenager Iyke Nmezu has said his son will be forever missed and would be remembered for his kindness and respect for others.

Mannie Nmezu issued a statement on behalf of Iyke's family and friends this morning saying Iyke, who died on Friday aged 16, was admired by all and was a good and intelligent son.

"Iyke would always find a way to amuse people. He was very playful with his two younger sisters and his big brother.

"His popularity amongst our community and friends was due to his respect, kindness and the acknowledgement of his ethnic culture," he said.

Following reports of a related altercation in Fore Street, Upper Edmonton, on Monday, Mannie Nmezu said the family had advised all of Iyke's friends not to carry out any revenge attacks on his killer.

"Instead they should direct their anger towards assisting the police whose job is to take any action on Iyke's killer, when apprehended, for the interest of justice," he said.

It is believed Iyke suffered head injuries from an attack with a brick on February 15 in Edmonton, although, the assault was not reported to police.

Cause of death was established as a fractured skull by a post-mortem carried out at the weekend.

Mr Nmezu said Iyke, who was studying for his GCSE's at Kingsmead School, had loved sports and all of his football managers had expressed their deepest sympathy and said Iyke would always be remembered.

Since his death, the family said hundreds of boys and girls from different schools and from all ethnic backgrounds had paid their respects.

He said: "Iyke Newman Nmezu sould be remembered for his kindness in sticking his neck out for the younger ones whenever they are in difficult situations, especially when bullied. He was supportive of his Mum's activities and will always help out in the house-work."

He said his son's ambition to go to university had been ended by his attacker and that the entire family would forever miss him.

He said: "Goodbye Iyke you are a lovely son that every parent would wish to have."