TRIBUTES poured in for a "popular" teenager killed in a broad daylight shooting as cops confirm the gunman is still "at large".
Lathaniel Burrell, aged just 16, was killed in Stockwell, south west London, on Tuesday afternoon, shortly after 3pm (March 5).
Metropolitan Police officers have today released a picture of the youngster after launching an investigation into his murder.
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Lathaniel, who grew up on nearby Studley Estate, has been hailed a "sweet guy" and "very bright at school" in gushing tributes.
"He was a very nice boy," one neighbour told The Sun. "He's got himself into trouble here and there but he was really nice. Everyone around here knew him.
"He was a sweet guy but he got wrapped up in the wrong crowd. He's friends with a lot of people here. A lot of us knew him since he was a kid.
"I'm shocked. My friend just told me and it's a shock. I knew him so long since he was little. The fact that it happened to one of our kids – it's devastating."
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Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lee said: "This is a horrendous crime, which has shocked the local community and beyond. Our thoughts are with Lathaniel’s family and friends at this devastating time.
"Our investigation is continuing at pace, examining CCTV and collecting witness statements. We have deployed officers to the area on reassurance patrol, and have officers on the ground engaging with the local schools.
The 16-year-old boy shot dead yesterday near Stockwell, has been named by police.
Lathaniel Burrell sadly died at the scene on Paradise Road following the shooting.
“Officers are now asking for the public’s help to track down those responsible” pic.twitter.com/sJsC4AtQPn— Antoine Allen (@AntoineSpeaker) March 5, 2025
"We need the help of the public too – if you were in the local area please think remember back to yesterday afternoon and come forward with any information, no matter how small. We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who has any mobile phone or dash cam footage from the area surrounding Paradise Road."
The Metropolitan Police have not yet made any arrests and the gunman remains at large. Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: "My thoughts are with the family, friends and wider community in Stockwell following the shocking fatal shooting.
"This abhorrent violence has absolutely no place in our city. I am in close contact with police leaders – an investigation is underway to find those responsible and local residents will see increased patrols in the local area.
I urge anyone with information to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. There is no honour in staying silent."
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