The mother of murdered teenager Jamil Palmer has personally thanked the police for bringing his killer to justice.
Mohammed Barre was jailed for life earlier this month for stabbing to death the 18-year-old in Crane Park, Feltham, in May.
Mr Palmer's mother Ash has praised the persistence of investigators who helped put the 17-year-old, of Hounslow, behind bars.
But she said she remained 'deeply troubled' by the refusal of witnesses to her son's killing to come forward out of 'misguided loyalty'.
She visited Jubilee House in Putney just before Christmas to personally thank officers and staff from Team 8 of the Met's Homicide and Major Crime Command, which investigated the murder of her son, who lived in Hampton and was affectionately known as Jam.
"Thank you to all the officers and police staff who secured justice for Jam," she said.
"Over the past six months, and having sat through a six week trial at the Bailey, I now realise that there are so many of you I want to thank: Feltham response officers - especially those who fought to save Jam's life, cordon staff, surveillance, phones experts, crime scene examiners, photographers, scientists, search officers and of course our brilliant murder team. And behind all of these specialists are probably many, many more to thank.
"Thank you for getting justice, I know how hard you have all worked and on so many occasions you gave up quality family time for us. Our family liaison officers, Detective Constables Charmain Brenyah and Paul Webb, were outstanding.
"We are still deeply troubled, at the blanket refusal of virtually all individuals who witnessed what happened to come forward and tell the police. They hide behind what appears to be some sort of misguided loyalty.
"Your job is so difficult, but the public do not see this. As you can imagine, this caused much anxiety especially as there was no CCTV covering the attack.
"The six week trial was at times distressing with the defence antics, but above all we were overwhelmed by everything you did, when we learnt about some of the covert stuff at trial, I knew you had truly pulled out all the stops.
"When I hear a siren or see a police officer I feel so proud of you all. You are doing a brilliant job.
Mr Palmer, who studied at Kingston College, was stabbed to death on May 6 following a feud with Barre.
The pair had fought outside Feltham Magistrates' Court where they both appeared that morning and clashed again minutes later, when Mr Palmer was fatally stabbed in the heart.
Five teenagers were arrested and charged with his murder. After a six-week trial at the Old Bailey, four were acquitted and Barre, of Byron Avenue, Hounslow, was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 17 years.
One of the family's liaison officers DC Charmain Brenyah said: "It (the visit from Mr Palmer's mother) was a humbling experience. Paul and I have been overwhelmed by the dignity and courtesy that Jam's family has shown to others throughout the investigation, especially at trial."
Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh said: "It was a really powerful experience for the team to meet Jam's family; the typists and indexers would not normally meet a victim's loved ones.
"We rarely take time to reflect on the amazing things that we, the Met, achieve. I am so grateful and proud of everyone who has supported this investigation."
