A TEENAGER stabbed to death in London last night who was claimed to be a former Southampton youth footballer has never been registered with the club, the Daily Echo understands.

Alex Smith, 16, was knifed after a gang chased him down with a 'foot-long machete' in Camden at around 11.10pm.

Police say the boy had been chased around Munster Square before being stabbed a number of times.

The suspects then made off in a vehicle which was discovered burnt out nearby. 

No arrests have been made.

This evening, it was been reported that Alex had played youth football for Southampton but had "gone off the rails" after he was released from the club.

One person told the Sun Online: "I was good friends from around age six to 14, but in the last couple of years he went off the rails.

"We played at Southampton FC youth team together but he got released and then got involved with the wrong people."

However, the Daily Echo has been told that Alex was never registered for or signed with Saints, and his only potential connection with the club may have if he had a trial at the London Development Centre.

According to witnesses, Alex was heard shouting "help me" before he collapsed near the doorstep of a family home. He died at the scene.

Three young men were heard "screaming and laughing" as they pursued him with a machete, according to the eyewitness, who did not want to be named.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Healy said: "We believe the victim was chased around the square by a number of suspects prior to being stabbed a number of times.

"The suspects made off in a vehicle which was discovered burnt out nearby.

"Another vehicle believed to be involved in the incident was also found burnt out some distance away."

"We have a dedicated team working relentlessly to track down those responsible.

"We're reviewing CCTV, knocking on doors and completing other enquiries to build a clear picture of the events last night.

"We're still in the early stages of our investigation and we are urging those who have information to do the right thing and speak to us.

"I am sure that others will have seen something last night around the Munster Square area, I am also interested in those who may have dash cam footage in the area at the time."