Dogan Ismail murder: Walworth Academy principal writes to parents

Yvonne Powell, who this term succeeds Devon Hanson as principal of Walworth Academy in Shorncliffe Road, wrote to parents on Friday in response to the death of 17-year-old Dogan Ismail on the Aylesbury Estate on Sunday 30 December.

She wrote: "Dogan Ismail was a sixth-form student with his whole life ahead of him.

"He was enthusiastic about his studies, loved by his friends, and we all had high hopes for his future.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and we will do all we can to help them at this difficult time."

Ms Powell went on to reemphasise the academy's strong stance against gangs and violence.

"We all need to have the courage to turn away from gangs and to report any actions that undermines the security of our communities.

"As a school we do not tolerate any action that threatens another's safety.

"We will support our students and their families in opposing violence and we will work with politicians and community leaders to rid our neighbourhoods of intimidation.

"We are all determined that no more of our young people are denied the bright future they deserve. We hope the whole community will support our efforts."

[story updated 19 January 2013]