A third man has been arrested after a young British model was found stabbed to death on Thursday, Jan. 11, on a London street.
The 24-year-old suspect was arrested on Sunday evening and remains in custody, the Metropolitan Police said.
The model, named by fashion brands as 25-year-old Harry Uzoka, was found slumped in Shepherd’s Bush, west London, about 4 p.m. on Thursday. Police believe he was assaulted and stabbed at Ollgar House, in Ollgar Close before he staggered to Old Oak road. He was pronounced dead on scene shortly afterwards.
Friends and fans have paid tribute to the British model, describing him as an “inspiration to black models” and an “absolute icon.”
A post-mortem examination revealed that he had been stabbed in the heart.
Shortly after his death, two men, aged 27 and 28 were arrested on suspicion of murder. The 28-year-old has been released, and the 27-year-old has been released under investigation.
Uzoka was signed to the top modelling agency Premier Model Management, which helped launch the careers of Naomi Campbell and Claudia Schiffer.
The rising star had worked for brands such as Mercedes, G-Star RAW, and Zara and appeared on billboards in the UK and the U.S.
Uzoka’s former girlfriend, Leomie Anderson, also a model, described him as one of her “oldest and dearest friends.”
She wrote in an Instagram post: “I’m not even ready for this and I still don’t accept it. He wasn’t just my ex boyfriend, he was one of my oldest and dearest friends. He didn’t deserve this and I am heartbroken.
“I remember when we were together, things had just started for you, you hadn’t even left the country before and I took you to Paris for your 18th birthday. Fast forward 7 years and you’ve been all over the world and been an inspiration to so many.
“You are proof that you can change your entire life and become a role model, no matter the circumstances. So much I want to say, so much I feel and don’t feel right now but just know you are loved, you are love and light and I just can’t believe this.”
One fan described Uzoka as “literally a young icon for black boys in the UK and London.”
Model Jourdan Dunn tweeted “Rest in Paradise Young King” while singer MNEK wrote “SHOCKED. i met him various times and thought he was always so cool. my heart goes out to his family. RIP.”
London fashion brand Yemzi paid tribute and wrote, “Such a special soul R.I.P”
Our hearts go out to the friends and family of @harryuzoka. Harry has worked closely with us as a model. Harry had a contagious personality- he would light up the room and make everyone on set smile. We will miss him. Rest in Peace, Harry. pic.twitter.com/Q2IvkjlnI2
— G-Star RAW (@GStarRAW) January 12, 2018
Another person described him as “an absolute icon.”
“I always heard his name surrounded with beautiful energy, and words of joy & pride in his journey,” he wrote.
Uzoka’s death is the fifth murder in London in the first two weeks of 2018. Four of those victims were fatal stabbings, reported The Independent.
Detective Inspector Beverley Kofi called the stabbing “another tragic murder.”
She added: “We are aware of reports suggesting that the stabbing occurred during the course of a robbery. At this stage, we do not believe this to be the case but we retain an open mind about a possible motive.
We are continuing our appeals to public to help to piece together what happened – who the victim was seen with, the incident itself and the immediate aftermath.”
“If you were in the area at the time and saw anything that could be of significance to the investigation, we would urge you to get it touch right away.”
If you have information that could assist detectives, please call the incident room on 0208 358 0100, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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