Family of man, 22, knifed to death in London deny ‘drill rap’ link and say ‘my son is no gangster’
Bright Akinlele, 22, staggered into a hotel near London Euston station and collapsed and died after being stabbed in the leg on Monday night
THE family of a man who was stabbed and killed in a London street this week has denied that he was a "gangster", calling him a "lovely, hard-working" graduate.
Bright Akinlele, 22, died at The Wesley Hotel, near London Euston station, after being attacked at around 10.45pm on Monday.
Eleven people - four men and seven women aged 19 to 28 - were arrested on suspicion of murder but have since been released on bail.
It is understood a group of people had been filming a drill rap music video in an alleyway near Euston Street shortly before a fight broke out.
A friend denied that he was part of a gang and said Akinlele was not a violent man.
They told the Sun Online: "His family think because he was black, he's been stereotyped him as a gangster type and this could not be further from the truth..
He most certainly was an innocent victim rather than part of the gang
A family friend of Bright Akinlele
A post-mortem has found the cause of death was a stab wound to the leg.
The family friend said they had spoken Akinlele just before he died, when the victim said he was determined to live an "honest and humble" life.
They said: "I spoke to him just the day before he died. We were on the phone for an hour and half. I was so impressed with how committed he was to his work and how determined he was to live his life as a good, honest and humble person.
A murder investigation is ongoing and police are continuing to appeal for witnesses.
HOTEL STAFF BATTLED TO SAVE VICTIM
Eye-witnesses said the man managed to stagger a few yards into the hotel while bleeding heavily.
Reverend Stuart Burgess, chairman of directors at The Wesley, said: "A young person was stabbed in a neighbouring street, around the corner from Euston Street.
"He made his way to the bar and lobby area of the hotel where he tragically collapsed.
"Within an hour he tragically died.
"I want to pay tribute to the police who responded quickly and to the staff - it was a very big shock for them but they responded very well.
"They realised that the person was beyond their help and they immediately called 999.
"Many of them are pretty amazed and shocked by the experience. Obviously we are not used to this happening."
Any witnesses and anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting CAD 7945/18 Feb or Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.