Iconic UK model Harry Uzoka dies aged 25, after becoming latest victim of knife crime in capital
Harry Uzoka, a young model stabbed to death in London has been described as an “icon for young males in the UK” as tributes hurried in for the successful creative and latest victim of knife crime in the capital.
According to Police, the 25 year old was fatally stabbed last Thursday following confusion over his death. Following the incident in Shepherd's Bush, two men aged 27 and 28 have been arrested on suspicion of the murder of Harry and remain under police custody.
The victim was signed to the same modelling agency that plummeted Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford's modelling careers into the spotlight.
Mr Uzoka, who recently appeared in GQ following recent modelling debuts for Mercedes Benz and Zara, has been hailed industry specialists as well as close friends as a “charming” and “inspirational” individual who “lit up a room”.
Leomie Anderson, Harry's former girlfriend who is also a successful model today, said he was “proof that you can change your entire life and become a role model, no matter the circumstances”.
She wrote on Instagram: “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 seven 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.”
Recording artist Jourdan Dunn described the model as a “Young King”, while chart-topping hip hop artist Wretch 32 said he was “ground-breaking”, before criticising “mental” knife crime in a passionate post following the news of the 25-year-old’s death.
Dutch fashion giant G-Star Raw, for which Mr Uzoka had also modelled, described his personality as “contagious”, posting on Twitter: “Harry has worked closely with us as a model. He had a contagious personality – he would light up the room and make everyone on set smile. We will miss him. Rest in Peace, Harry.”
Metropolitan Police's Detective Inspector Beverley Kofi said: “This is another tragic murder with a young male victim who has met a violent death. We believe there were a number of people involved, but we are still working to establish the circumstances and a possible motive.
“We have made two arrests and continue to pursue a number of lines of inquiry. We need the public’s help to piece together what happened – who the victim was seen with, the incident itself and the immediate aftermath.”
The altercation that led to Mr Uzoka's death was thought to have begun in Ollgar Close, on Thursday afternoon.
Anyone with information should call the Met's incident room on 020 8358 0100, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.