New Cross stabbing: First picture of 'loving' rapper Myron Yarde, 17, killed during fight in south London

'A loving and lovely boy': Myron Issac Yarde, 17, was killed in New Cross
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A murder investigation has been launched after a schoolboy was stabbed to death on a quiet road in south London.

Up-and-coming musician Myron Isaac Yarde, 17, was knifed after a fight broke out among a group of young people gathered in Casella Road, New Cross, at 7.40pm last night.

The former Deptford Green School pupil was found lying in a pool of his own blood on the steps of a Victorian townhouse on the corner of nearby Camplin Street.

He was rushed to hospital by ambulance where he was pronounced dead at 9pm.

Two youths, aged 15 and 16, were arrested near the scene. They were today being questioned by detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command.

Forensic officers at the scene after the stabbing
Nigel Howard

Myron was described by friends as a dedicated and talented young rapper who released mixtapes and dozens of music videos that have been watched hundreds of thousands of times online.

Many took to social media to express their grief and pay tribute to a “kind, happy guy with an unforgettable smile.”

A cousin who grew up in the same house as Myron and now works as a DJ told the Standard: “I saw something had happened on Twitter but I didn’t know what so rang my brother. I’d been DJing and they didn’t want to message me. When I found out, I just couldn’t understand.

“We grew up together and he was known as Little M. He was such a happy face - you couldn’t take that away from him.”

Stabbed to death: Myron Isaac Yarde

A teenage friend who went to visit the scene, said: “He was a lovely, loving boy. It’s disgusting.

“He was just a child, a good boy. I want to know why this has happened. He wasn’t involved in bad things. There was a female friend crying and bawling at the scene.”

The street was cordoned off behind police tape last night as teams of forensic officers began their investigations.

Blood-stained clothes and discarded medic bags were dotted along the pavement where the boy collapsed.

A friend said: “He had been rapping for a couple of years. He was in music school. He was such a good rapper - he was talented. He was well-known locally and really well-liked.

"I don’t know why someone would do this. He was such a good guy. It’s a quiet area around here.”

One friend, whose mother taught Myron at school wrote on Facebook: “Another brother dead. Using knives doesn’t solve problems, it fuels them and now another [boy] has left this earth.

Kim Bozek, a community care worker, said: “Another young man’s life taken on the streets we live in. It’s getting really bad out there, so many young kids are getting killed for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“Nobody deserves to lose their life so young. I’ve heard he loved his music and singing - a wasted talent of a young and popular man.”

It is believed Myron’s mother Marcelle Yarde died from cancer aged 52 last year. Myron performed at a community concert held in her memory in June.

The aftermath of the stabbing in New Cross, south London
Nigel Howard

Aaliyah Black added: “I really don’t understand how people are so heartless, at least he’s with his mum but that can’t change things - he’s gone, he can’t come back. All of that it makes no sense to me.”

Khai Fenton added: “One of the most humble guys I’ve ever met and known. Last person who I would have thought to lose his life life this.”

A mother who lives near to the scene told the Standard: “I get so depressed about it. It’s always over the same thing with these kids and it’s getting too much.

“People are too scared to speak out or call police even when they have seen someone get stabbed to death around here. If the police don’t know how to stop the cycle of young people getting killed then what hope do we have?

“I am terrified for my own son who is the same age as these kids but doesn’t want to get involved with knives. He is too scared to go outside, ride his bike, or play out and be young, it’s not right.”

Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Reeves said: “It was still daylight when the altercation began and we believe there could have been many people in the area who may have seen something which could provide valuable information to the investigation. I would urge them to contact police as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8721 4868, the police non-emergency line on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org

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