Family in tribute to murdered boy

One of Shaquille's sisters was injured in the fatal attack

The mother of murdered teenager Shaquille Smith has spoken about losing a son who was "devoted" to his family.

Shaquille, 14, died hours after being stabbed in the stomach in Hackney, east London, on Saturday night.

In a statement Sandra Maitland said: "Shaquille loved life and his family... we loved him dearly and he will always be in our hearts."

Police investigating the murder arrested two males, aged 17 and 19, on Wednesday.

Shaquille was attacked during a confrontation with a group of youths in St Thomas's Place late on Saturday night.

Love of Jamaica

He was taken to hospital but later died from a single stab wound. His 16-year-old sister was also injured in the attack.

Shaquille was one of five children and according to police both his parents are social workers.

In a statement released on Wednesday his mother said Shaquille was "mesmerised" by his baby sister who became the "focus of his life".

She also said Shaquille wanted to live and work in Jamaica where he regularly visited friends and family.

"Shaquille loved life and his family, including those in Jamaica.

There is nothing bad I can say about him. He was only 14. He was just happy Sandra Maitland

"He spent his young years growing up with his grandmother and other family members.

"Shaquille loved Jamaica...he pleaded with me on a regular basis to let him live in Jamaica."

Ms Maitland said in the days leading up to his death Shaquille had spoken of his happiness.

"Shaquille said to me a week before his death, 'Mum, this has been my best summer, I have really enjoyed myself.

"Usually I can't wait for it to be over so I can return to school, but this year I want to stay at home and have more fun'.

"Shaquille was special to us... there is nothing bad I can say about him. He was only 14. He was just happy," she said.

Shaquille was the 25th teenager to die in violent circumstances in London this year.

A 19-year-old man was arrested in the early hours of Wednesday and 17-year-old male was held later the same day.

Detectives said they were keeping an open mind about the motive.