Neighbours react and friends pay tribute to Myron 'MDOT' Yarde, 17, stabbed to death after fight in New Cross

A brawl involving several youths broke out in New Cross Road shortly after 7.40pm.

The teenager, named locally as Myron Isaac Yarde and known creatively as MDOT, was found by police in nearby Camplin Street and taken to a south London hospital, where he died just after 9pm.

A 33-year-old woman who lives in Egmont Street, just metres from where the ambulance came to try and save Myron, said she heard shouting on the street.

The woman, who asked only to be named as Carrie, said: “I didn't realise what had happened until I saw all the blue lights – there were two police cars and three ambulances.

“There were a lot of people around and he was just lying on the floor, they were pumping his chest and took all his clothes off.

Police at the scene this morning. (c.) PA.

“When I looked he was so pale from losing so much blood.

“We all heard the commotion but thought, oh it's just gangs, not someone dying on the floor.

“It's normal to hear a commotion like that – crime is rife with 14- and 15-year-olds.

“People don't just have a little row anymore – they get out knives.”

Chris Humphries, 22, also of Egmont Street, wasn’t aware of what had happened until the following morning.

He told News Shopper: “We are kind of immune to it, desensitised unless we have a personal connection.

“And when it comes to gang violence, I don't think [young people] realise the totality of their actions.”

Joane Dean, 52, has lived in New Cross for over a decade and blames the lack of community investment for youth crime.

“We were supposed to get community centres but all we have is a pile of rubble.

“My son knows the boy who died and it’s very sad, I've seen so many young people die over the years.

“If I was young I would probably get up to all sorts of mischief out of boredom.

“Young people should have things to do – if they did this boy would still be alive.

“They should be out canoeing or doing something, instead this boy is going to his grave.”

Tributes poured in on social media for the up-and-coming musician, who is the second teenager to be knifed to death in the capital this year.

One wrote on social media: "Absolute terrible tragedy. MDot, watched your big smiling face singing online and now just want to turn the clock back."

Myron Yarde

A friend said Myron wasn't the type of person who thought violence was the answer.

He told News Shopper: "He was so committed to his music.

"Him and the rest of PHSB [Myron's rap group Play Hard Spray Bars] have so much ahead of them, but this has now been a massive shock to everyone."

Mobo-winning hip hop artist Tony Rotton, who grew up in Deptford and performs as Blak Twang, added: "I remember navigating my way out of the same exact roads in Deptford/New Cross at 17. Let's break the cycle of violence. RIP."

Two boys, aged 15 and 16, were arrested close to the scene last night.

Both currently remain in custody at a south London police station.

A fundraising page has been set up for Myron’s funeral on the GoFundMe website.

Officers are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with information to contact police.

Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Reeves, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command said: "This investigation is at an early stage but we have already spoken to a number of witnesses.

"At this stage, I am still trying to establish what may have sparked the events which resulted in Myron's death, so that we can build a clearer picture of what has led to a young man with a promising future losing his life."

If you have more information 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.

Did you see what happened or would you like to pay tribute? Email helen.corbett@london.newsquest.co.uk