THE 14-year-old boy who was stabbed in the head and back in Chigwell on Friday evening has died.

In a statement issued at 7.15pm this evening, Essex Police said that Jack Large, of Yeomen Way, died "a short time ago".

Police had earlier said that Jack was in a critical condition on a life support machine.

The spokesman said that officers had now launched a murder investigation.

Jack was taken to the Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel, on Friday evening after he was stabbed in Limes Avenue, Chigwell, shortly before 11pm.

It emerged today that the incident happened about half-a-mile from Jack's home, on the other side of Fencepiece Road, which effectively forms the border between Chigwell and Hainault.

Two boys - aged 13 and 14 - were arrested in Chigwell on Saturday afternoon and were being held on suspicion of attempted murder.

The police spokesman said that both boys have now been re-arrested on suspicion of murder.

Police said Jack's parents were at his bedside when he died.

Earlier today numerous flowers and messages - as well as at least two photographs of Jack - were left close to the scene, by the parade of shops in Limes Avenue.

Police still want to speak to a number of teenagers who were on the Limes Farm Estate between 10pm and 11pm on Friday evening.

Anyone with any information should ring Harlow Police Station on 01279 641212.

Did you know Jack? Ring or text the Guardian's newsline on 07824 530131.