A murder investigation has been launched after a man in his 20s was stabbed to death in a "brutal" attack just metres from a school in Battersea.

Your Local Guardian:

The scene of the stabbing in Surrey Lane

Police were called at around 1.10am this morning to reports of a man being stabbed near St John Bosco College in Surrey Lane.

The victim has been named locally as Malachi Brooks, a "well-liked" and "outgoing" person.

See related: Tributes paid to murder victim stabbed in Surrey Lane Battersea

London Ambulance attended and found the victim suffering stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 1.55am.

Police are trying to trace and inform next of kin.

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."

No arrests have been made.

Your Local Guardian:

Tributes left at the scene this afternoon

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.