A 14-year-old boy has appeared in court accused of murdering a father who was fatally stabbed after confronting a group of teenagers.

James Markham, 45, was attacked in Churchill Terrace in Chingford east London, on Monday evening.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Stratford Youth Court on Friday charged with murder, possession of a knife in a public place and breach of a criminal behaviour order (CBO).

The court heard that Mr Markham was stabbed after confronting a group of youths who had been shouting and swearing outside the back of his home and who had yelled at his daughter.

The teenager, who spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address, was remanded in youth detention accommodation to appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday August 17.

The Metropolitan Police said that a second boy, also 14, who was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, has been released under investigation.

A 16-year-old girl, who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, has also been released under investigation, the force added.

Mr Markham was described as “a man with a good heart and good soul” by a family friend, while floral tributes have been laid at the scene in his memory.