Tributes have been paid to a 21-year-old man who was stabbed in Surrey Lane, Battersea, in the early hours of the morning.

Named locally as Malachi Brooks, the victim was pronounced dead at 1.55am by London Ambulance Service after being fatally stabbed in the street.

See related: PICTURES AND VIDEO: Murder investigation launched after man, named locally as Malachi Brooks, stabbed to death in 'brutal attack' in Surrey Lane, Battersea

Malachi's partner Rebecca Nowland, 24, said she is "devastated" and "broken". 

She said: "He wasn't just my boyfriend, he was my best friend, my rock. 

"Words can't describe how much I miss him already."

Wandsworth Times:

"Rest up my angel, I love you so much, always! You didn't deserve this, the most decent person I ever came across. I'll never forget you and all the good times we shared together, we'll meet again soon baby x"

Rebecca's brother, Ben Nowland, 18, said he was a really "decent" guy.

He said: "There’s not one bad word I can say about him.

"Malachi was the coolest, funniest, most loving and outgoing person you could ever meet who always had time for others.

"It’s such a shame bad things happen to the kindest people. He was the brother I never had."

Wandsworth Times:

Wandsworth Times:

Wandsworth Times:

Tributes left at the scene this afternoon

A woman visiting the scene, who did not want to be named, said: "He was a really lovely guy. 

"He was really outgoing and liked by a lot of people. 

"It's a very sad loss."

One resident said: "He was just a really humble guy. He always had a smile on his face."

Karolina Hafez, a friend whose 18th birthday Malachi attended, said: "He guided me when I needed guidance and always cared about me. 

"He was an amazing friend. I remember I went out with my friend to a party and he kept callingto make sure I got home okay, he even offered to pick me up because he was that kind hearted. 

"He meant a lot to me and I didn't even get to say goodbye properly. I'll always miss him."

Detective Inspector Tony Lynes, who is leading the investigation, said: "This was a brutal attack on a young man.

"We are still trying to establish the circumstances behind this incident, and we are appealing to anybody who was in the area at around the time of the attack - from 12.45am onwards - or who lives nearby and may have seen or heard something to come forward and speak to officers as soon as possible."

One woman this afternoon burst into tears after seeing floral tributes left at the scene, with one reading "RIP friend, you will be greatly missed".

One resident said: "He was just a really humble guy. He always had a smile on his face."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Officers from the Homicide and Major Crime Command investigate.

  • Did you know Malachi Brooks? Send your tributes to grainne.cuffe@london.newsquest.co.uk