A large turnout is expected for a "prayer and peace" walk in memory of a murdered Leytonstone schoolboy.

The march on Monday has been organised by churches close to where Paul Erhahon, 14, was killed on Good Friday to show support for the bereaved family and highlight the growing problem of violent crime in south Leytonstone.

Readers can pay tribute to Paul in the Guardian's book of condolence by clicking the link beneath this story.

Paul's friend, 15, suffered multiple stab wounds during an incident in Gean Court, Langthorne Road, at just before 8pm. He remains in a stable condition in hospital.

Rev Alison Mackay, chair of the Churches Together group and one of the organisers of the march, comforted Paul's family after the tragedy.

In a letter to the Times newspaper, she hit out at the authorities for not doing more to tackle youth crime and its causes.

She wrote: "Most residents of Leytonstone do not consider themselves to be under siege from gangs; rather, they point to the complete absence of police officers on the streets after 6pm, the lack of CCTV in areas affected by youths congregating and, most importantly, the dearth of youth facilities in the area.

"From my recent discussions with it, the council appears to be satisfied that such facilities are available. However this is based on the premise that local residents must pay £30 per hour for the hire of a community hall and provide the staff and other resources required.

"Youth workers who are willing to interact with vulnerable young people in their own environment are also sadly lacking in our community. At a time of increased council tax, surely the people of Leytonstone deserve something in return?

"My son has been mugged while returning home from college twice within the last six months, once at knifepoint. The second time he lost £5 and an old mobile phone. His attackers clearly did not make a large financial profit, but it possibly alleviated their boredom for ten minutes."

The march will start outside Can Hall Methodist Church, Cann Hall Road, at 7pm. It will progress past Tom Hood School, which Paul attended until last year, stop at Holy Trinity Church at Harrow Green and end at the Avenues Estate where Paul died from a single stab wound through the heart.