Dozens of employees and vehicles were involved
A group of postmen and women joined forces for an emotional tribute to a 17-year-old girl stabbed to death in a park a week ago.
Dozens of Royal Mail vehicles drove from their office on Towbridge Road to the park in Harold Hill where Jodie Chesney last Friday (March 1).
15 vans were seen leaving their parcel offices, near the health centre, and driving along Gooshays Drive and St Neot's Road. They stopped outside Amy's Park, which is where the incident happened.
The workers then held a minute's silence for the 17-year-old before tying purple ribbons along the park fence.
What happened to Jodie Chesney?
Several vehicles stopped outside Amy's Park
Jodie was with friends and her boyfriend at the park on Friday evening, when two males were also in the area. The group then saw the two males leave at around 9pm, but less than half an hour later they returned.
The two males walked up to Jodie's group, and one of the men stabbed her in the back before the two suspects fled the scene.
Emergency services rushed to the scene and the girl scout sadly passed away an hour later, at 10.26pm.
https://i2-prod.essexlive.news/incoming/article2603663.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/0_WhatsApp-Image-2019-03-03-at-100313-AM-1jpeg.jpgWho was Jodie Chesney?
Jodie Chesney was a 17-year-old girl who sadly died when she was fatally stabbed in a park at St Neot's Road in Harold Hill.
On Friday, March 1, she was out socialising with friends and her boyfriend in the park, where they were listening to music.
At around 9pm the group saw two men, who did not approach the group, leave the park. However, less than half an hour later they returned and walked straight towards the teenagers.
One of the men then stabbed Jodie in the back.
The two men did not say a word and ran off in the direction of Retford Road, leaving her friends and boyfriend desperately trying to save her.
Emergency services were called and despite the best efforts of the paramedics of the London Ambulance Service, Jodie was pronounced dead at the scene at 10.26pm - just an hour after it happened.
Flowers and tributes have poured in for Jodie, following her death, and Metropolitan Police launched a murder investigation.
Thousands protest against knife crime
Last night, (Thursday March 7), thousands of residents and those outside the community, gathered to protest against knife crime.
The crowds came together to remember Jodie and also show that they are standing behind the campaign.
Draped in purple, Jodie's favourite colour, they marched from Fitness First to Romford Police station.
Banners were held up in memory of Jodie and in protest of knife crime (Image: Victoria Jones/PA)
In the background, Romford's Royal British Legion Band performed in solidarity with the parents, grandparents and youngsters who were marching in support of Jodie and her grieving family.
Purple balloons and ribbons were worn along the march to commemorate the teenager- whose favourite colour was purple.
At the end of the march, some of these ribbons were tied to a railing outside Romford Police Station before a sombre minutes silence brought the march to a close.
'She was the nicest person any of us know'
Family members father Peter, stepmother Joanne and sister Lucy of murdered teenager Jodie Chesney at New Scotland Yard in London. (Image: PA)
Jodie's father, Peter Chesney pleaded for anyone with information about the killing to "do the right thing" and said she "wouldn't have done anything to deserve this - no way".
"You'll never know the pain you've caused and the beauty you've taken away," he said. They've destroyed something beautiful here."
He paid tribute to his daughter, adding: "She was the nicest person any of us know.
"Everything about her was about being kind and good and thoughtful."
He added: "Someone knows who did this... the person needs to be caught. Jodie needs justice.
"We need for Jodie to have justice. No one thinks this is OK. Surely nobody who knows the guy who did this thinks it is okay.
"You can't get kudos for stabbing a 17-year-old in the back. So, just dob them in, grass them up, this is not alright."
Town is turning purple
An entire town is turning purple for an important message
An entire housing estate, including schools and surrounding areas, turned purple this week to remember Jodie.
Several schools are also involved in Purple Friday today (Friday, March 8), where pupils, students, and staff are invited to wear something purple for the day, to support the campaign.
People are also putting ribbons on their front doors, gates and flying flags.
Fundraiser smashes target as community donates thousands
A fundraiser has been set up by a charitable organisation, SMILE, in Harold Wood, which asked for donations towards the funeral fund for the family of Jodie.
The fundraiser was initially set up the day after she passed away, however, due to technical issues with the account it was transferred to a new page.
The original goal was set at £5,000 and it has already smashed that target, with nearly £12,000 raised - and the number continues to rise.
Police make arrests
Thousands marched through Romford in support of the family of Jodie Chesney (Image: Victoria Jones/PA)
Police confirmed that they arrested two men in connection with her tragic death.
On Tuesday, a 20-year-old man was arrested in Leicester on Tuesday (March 6) and he remains in custody.
Another man has been arrested in London this morning (Friday, March 8), on suspicion of murder. He is currently in custody.
To donate to the fundraiser, please visit this page. https://www.gofundme.com/6yw8seg?fbclid ... AVtHEWIkcw" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;