Detectives are continuing to appeal to the public for information and witnesses to a "brutal" murder in Battersea.

Malachi Brooks, named locally, was fatally stabbed in Surrey lane in the early hours of Monday morning.

See related: 'He wasn't just my boyfriend, he was my best friend, my rock': Tributes paid to murder victim Malachi Brooks stabbed to death in Surrey Lane, Battersea

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

Police were called to reports of a man being stabbed at 1.10am on March 28 and found Malachi, 21, suffering stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 1.55am.

His next of kin have been informed.

Friends and loved ones have described the victim as "loving", "decent" and "kind".

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."

A post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as a stab wound to the heart.

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."

Any witnesses, or anyone with any information, are asked to call the incident room on 020 8721 4868. Police can also be contacted via Twitter @MetCC.