Friends of a teenager stabbed to death in South Croydon last night have paid tribute to “such a nice kid” who “just hung around with the wrong people”.

The 19-year-old, named locally as Andre Aderemi, was found with knife wounds in Heather Way on the Monks Hill estate at 7.40pm.

He died later in hospital despite frantic efforts from members of the public and paramedics to save him.

The teenager was a former pupil of John Ruskin College and Oasis Academy Shirley Park, according to friends who gathered today to lay flowers and light candles close to where he was stabbed.

RELATED: Two arrested after teenager stabbed to death in South Croydon

One friend said: “He was always laughing and dancing. He was a happy kid."

Another described Mr Aderemi as a "a very funny guy, a good kid".

As the victim's family arrived in Heather Way this morning, a woman approached Andre’s mother and told her she had held his hand as he lay dying on the street.

The tearful pair embraced as residents from the estate gathered to pay their respects.

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Candles placed at the scene today

A friend said Mr Aderemi "was just a lovely person that looked after the community".

Hours after the teenager was stabbed, Tony Brady posted on Twitter: "Today I got the news that I lost one of my best friends. I'm sorry you had to go so soon, I'll cherish some great memories. RIPAndre."

In a later post he described Mr Aderemi as "such a nice kid [who] just hung around with the wrong people".

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Jessica Amanda, who lives on Monk's Hill estate, said: "I knew Andre as the happy kid he was. Although he was sometimes an irritation he never failed to make me laugh he always had a compliment a cheeky wink and a hug that wasfull of warmth.

"He was a beautiful and loving young man he will always be in our thoughts."

RELATED: 'Stop the warring': Family's plea after teenager Andre Aderemi stabbed to death in South Croydon

Ms Amanda said Mr Aderemi would "always said hello to everyone and asked how they were", adding: "I want his family to know how loved he was and how happy he made people."

Nichole Young, whose daughter Baillie was friends with Mr Aderemi, posted on Facebook: "Bless you Andre x hope you can now rest in peace xxx senseless x."

The mother and daughter left card at the scene this morning that read: "Taken too soon, forever in our thoughts."

Another former classmate said he had lost touch with Mr Aderemi after secondary school, but said the pair had been friends.

He added: "Andre was a smart and vibrant individual from a young age that simply hung around with the wrong individuals."

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Friends have paid tribute to Andre on social media today

A neighbour who battled to save Mr Aderemi life before paramedics arrived described hearing a voice behind him calling out for "D" as the teenager lay dying.

The teenager's sister Sheniqua has set up a GofundMe page to raise money for her Mr Aderemi's funeral.

She wrote: "Unfortunately another black life was lost. It had to be my big brother. This young male was brutally stabbed several times, murdered in the streets of Croydon. With only his siblings left to pay for his funeral."

A memorial service, open to all, will be held at 4pm this afternoon at St Francis Church in Tedder Road.

Two 19-year-old men were arrested on suspicion of murder yesterday.

Did you know Andre? Pay tribute by calling 020 8722 6388 or email daniel.omahony@newsquest.co.uk