The mother of a 21-year-old man spoke of her pain as two boys were charged with his murder on a high street in south east London.
Gabriel Petrov Stoyanov was stabbed by attackers who then fled on foot along Bromley Road in Downham at 11.50pm last Friday.
Mr Stoyanov was rushed to hospital after the “senseless” knife attack but died of his injuries the next day.
He was described by his mother Mariana as a person of “sparkling personality and infinite goodness” whose life was robbed in “the most brutal and cruel way”.
Youths aged 14 and 17 appeared at Bexley Youth Court and were remanded into the care of the local authority earlier on Friday. They are due at the Old Bailey on Tuesday.
Scotland Yard took the highly unusual step of identifying a third youth 16-year-old George David, from Downham, as a suspect in the murder on Thursday.
George, who has links to Bromley and Orpington, should not be approached by members of the public, the Metropolitan Police warned. Anyone who sees him is urged to dial 999 immediately.
In a statement, Mr Stoyanov’s mother said: “Gabriel was a young man with a sparkling personality and infinite goodness in his heart.
“He was taken from us far too soon in the most brutal and cruel way. Gabriel was loved by many, he had a wonderful sense of humour, he was easy-going, compassionate, always ready to help others.
“We are devastated by his unnecessary loss, just when his life as a bright, passionate, and motivated adult was beginning.
“He will always be remembered, and we will keep him in our hearts forever.
“I am so grateful that God sent him to me. He taught me to be a mother, we grew together in life. We went through many challenges together, through the good and the bad, he made me the person I am today.
“Gabriel, I love you and I will love you until my last breath.”
Anyone with information can call 101, ref 8645/4Nov, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
