A 29-year-old hip hop musician was last night identified as the man stabbed to death just yards from his home in Rose Hill.

Aaron Buron was being named by friends as the victim stabbed in the chest in St Martin’s Road on Saturday night.

He was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Mr Buron, known as AZ, had been performing live since 2009 and supported BBC Radio 1’s Tim Westwood at The Regal in Cowley Road in 2010.

Lottie Carter, a friend and musical collaborator, said: “I was horrified to hear the news as I was meant to be meeting him today to record a new song with him.

“Aaron was a kind, good, funny man with a wide range of talent.”

He had recorded material at the Ark T Centre in Cowley as well as Soundworks studios in Blackbird Leys.

Along with two of his friends, he was in a group called Ill Committee.

Danny Burbridge, of Soundworks, said: “He was a really nice guy and a pleasure to know.

“It is very sad to hear he has died.”

An 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and was last night being held in police custody.

Yesterday a post mortem examination confirmed Mr Buron died from stab wounds to the chest, police spokesman Rebecca Webber said.

Police were called to St Martin’s Road at about 11.30pm on Saturday night by the ambulance service.

Yesterday afternoon part of the road was still cordoned off as forensic teams continued to comb the area for evidence.

Det Ch Insp Joe Kidman, from the police’s major crime unit, said: “The investigation is at a very early stage and we are working to establish what has happened.”

Neighbours were stunned a Mr Buron's death.

Shane Washington, who lives on St Martin’s Road, said: “I knew him very well and he was not the sort of guy who would get into trouble. He kept his head down and was such a nice guy. I’m in shock.”

Another resident, Monica Gregory, witnessed the aftermath of the incident. She said: “He was on the floor when I came out of my house and they were putting him into the ambulance.

“I didn’t hear anything and I only went out because we were taking a friend home.

“I knew him through friends and he didn’t seem the type to get into trouble.

“I didn’t expect to wake up to this.”

Police have appealed for anyone who may have witnessed something to contact them on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.