The detective leading the investigation into the murder of teenage rapper Kyle McDonald has urged the Battersea community to come forward with vital information.

Mr McDonald, 19, from Fulham, was gunned down at about 7.45pm last Wednesday evening, September 19, as he walked through the Kambala estate, off Falcon Road, with a friend.

He was initially shot in Kambala Road, but managed to stagger to Coppock Close where he was found minutes later by members of the public.

Since then a wall of silence has fallen on the community and police are struggling to ascertain exactly what happened because of poor CCTV coverage and witnesses not coming forward, possibly out of fear, meaning that a week after the shooting no arrests have been made.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Bonner said: "We are still trying to trace Kyle’s last steps and we know he was on the estate an hour or two before the incident.

"There will be a number of young people who will have information about the course of events that day. We urge you to come and speak to us.

"We understand that some might have some concerns with speaking to the police but it is important that they do so and we can offer reassurance and support for those that can assist us with our enquiries.

"Likewise I am directly appealing to the family members and friends of those believed to be involved - if you have slightest indication the person you know may have been involved in this incident I encourage you to get them to hand themselves into the police. Failing to do so will result in my officers pursuing them.

D Chief Insp Bonner added he was also looking into the possibility that Mr McDonald was affiliated to a gang.

Acting Wandsworth Borough commander Paul McGregor, said: "The local community have and continue to support us in our efforts and a large team of detectives are currently working tirelessly on this case.

"Local Safer Neighbourhoods teams will remain in the area to reassure locals and address any concerns residents may have."

Mr McDonald, who went by the street name Veli Goodfellaz, was a member of the Goodfellaz rap crew and had posted a number of music videos on YouTube.

Battersea MP Jane Ellison also called on witnesses to come forward, she said: "I would urge anyone with any information about this crime to contact the police.

"It is one of the vital ways we might prevent similar incidents recurring and more young lives being lost in this awful way."

An emergency residents meeting, attended by Chief Inspector Steve McSorley, was held on Tuesday night.

A statement posted on the Kambala Estate Residents Associaton website said: "It’s possible that some of Kyle’s friends are involved in criminal activity in the area, and this may be why many are not willing to speak out - but the detectives we spoke to are far more focused on finding a murderer, than in any low-level crime, and hearing from the young people in the area remains their best chance of bringing Kyle’s killers to justice."

Anyone who witnessed the shooting or has information is asked to contact detectives on 020 8358 0200 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.