Grammy Award-winning songwriter Talay Riley has been fatally stabbed in Silvertown, east London, in what police have described as a double stabbing incident that has sent shockwaves through the British music industry.

Metropolitan Police officers were called to Pankhurst Avenue, E16, at approximately 9am on Friday, 5 June, following reports that a man had been stabbed. On arrival, officers and the London Ambulance Service found the 35-year-old with stab wounds in the garden of a nearby property on Rayleigh Road. Despite the efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.

Riley, whose real name was Mark Olayinka Orabiyi, was a hugely respected figure in British music. He signed his first major publishing deal with Global Publishing at just 18 years old and went on to become one of the most sought-after songwriters in the UK. His career breakthrough came when he co-wrote rapper Chip’s number-one UK single “Oopsie Daisy,” which topped the charts and cemented his reputation as a hitmaker.

Over the following years, Riley worked with some of the biggest names in the global music industry. His credits include collaborations with Usher, Dua Lipa, Britney Spears, Tinie Tempah, and Jessie J. His talent as a songwriter earned him Grammy recognition, and colleagues throughout the industry have spoken of his extraordinary work ethic and creative vision.

A second man, believed to be in his 20s, was also stabbed during the incident. He was taken to hospital with multiple stab wounds, but his condition is not believed to be life-threatening and he remains in a stable condition.

Two men, aged 27 and 24, and a 25-year-old woman were arrested near the scene on suspicion of murder. All three remain in police custody as homicide detectives from the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command continue their investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, who is leading the investigation, said: “My thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of the man who has died.” She urged anyone with information or CCTV footage from the area around the time of the attack to come forward.

Tributes have poured in from across the music world. Rapper Chip, one of Riley’s closest collaborators, posted: “You ain’t deserve to go out like that fam, fly high bro. Your pen will live forever.” Flowers and messages have been left at the scene by local residents, and fans have shared their condolences across social media.

One tribute described Riley’s death as “another senseless killing of a young British male,” adding: “Such a talent gone at such a young age.” His family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

A large police presence remained in the Silvertown area throughout Friday as forensic teams conducted detailed searches of the street. Authorities are appealing for witness accounts, doorbell camera footage, and dashcam recordings from the area around Pankhurst Avenue and Rayleigh Road at the time of the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference CAD 1868/5JUN. Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.