Jodie Chesney, 17, was brutally stabbed to death in a park in Romford on Friday

The 17-year-old girl scout stabbed to death in an east London park may have been the victim of a gang imitation dare, locals have suggested.

Jodie Chesney was murdered while playing music with her boyfriend, 18-year-old Eddie Coyle, and four other friends in Romford on Friday evening.

Her family have been left stunned at why the teenager, who was a popular member of the local Scout group, would have been so brutally attacked.

Police have said the attacker did not say anything to Jodie or her group of friends, and immediately ran off after the stabbing.

Friends of Ms Chesney have suggested the attack may have been a case of mistaken identity.

Others went online to tell her family that 'gang members were tasked with murders to gain entry to groups', or that a gang member may have been 'dared to stab a random person to show their loyalty'.

Ms Chesney's grandmother, Debbie, told friends it was 'a possibility'. She appealed to the attacker or anyone who knows him to contact police.

Scotland Yard have not said what they believe the motive is but detectives are understood to be examining a number of theories.   

Ms Chesney's boyfriend, Mr Coyle, has left an emotion

al message on a card at the scene, saying: 'Jodie you are the best thing that could have happened in my life. I will love you always and you will forever be in my heart beautiful.'

Jodie's mother Claire Gillham also left flowers at the scene of the murder yesterday while her grandmother called for an end to 'needless violence'.  

Ms Chesney's death came on a weekend of violence around the UK, with 17-year-old Yousef Makki stabbed to death in the village of Hale Barns, near Altrincham in Greater Manchester, the following night.