The friend of murdered teen rap artist Carl Beatson Asiedu is under police protection for his safety.

DJ Sayps was also injured in the attack on Mr Asiedu, from Norbury, who was stabbed to death outside Club Life in Kennington in the early hours of Saturday, August 1.

The pair were part of the rap combo Kid n Play and had both performed at the club just hours before the attack.

The two men left the club at about 5am and were set upon by a group of at least nine men wearing dark, hooded clothes.

The attack appears to have been planned, as they shouted out a name to the two men, though police refused to say whether it was DJ Sayps, or Mr Asiedu, more often known as Charmz.

DJ Sayps escaped but Mr Asiedu was fatally stabbed. His friends piled him into a car and tried to rush him to hospital.

Police discovered 19-year-old Mr Asiedu’s body when they stopped three cars seen running a red light in Baylis Road, Waterloo, just after 5am.

Mr Asiedu was found stabbed in one of the cars. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police have said DJ Sayps has had extra security measures put in place for his safety, after fears he may still be a target.

The family of Mr Asiedu made an impassioned plea for anyone with information over the incident to come forward, while trying to deal with the “void” left by the De Montfort University student’s death.

His sister Annabel, 24, said: “Carl was always smiling and was so funny he could make you cry with laughter.

“He said a week before [he was killed] he was going to be famous before the end of the summer.

“He joked he was allergic to being broke.

“Carl is an irreplaceable jewel, a lovable son and an amazing brother.

“He was attracted to achievement and wanted to make headlines for his achievements, not like this.”

Detective Inspector Le Pere, investigating, said: “This was a totally unprovoked attack.

“All motives are possible. It could even have been envy or jealousy.

“I am urging anybody with information to come forward. Do not assume somebody else will take responsibility.

“You can’t let them have the opportunity to take another life and devastate another family.”

Anyone with information can also call the incident room on 020 8721 4005 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Or they can email a specially set-up address by the police if they are worried about coming forward. The email address is carlsappeal@met.police.uk.

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