A young father was shot in the head after an argument in a music studio erupted into the street, neighbours said today.

Police were called after gunshots were heard on a quiet residential road in Hornsey, north London, at 9pm on Saturday and the man was taken to hospital where he died just after midnight.

The victim, a former pupil of Islington Arts and Media School named by friends as Dawud, is said to have been an aspiring musician who lives locally and has a young daughter.

Friends today told of their shock and paid tribute to a “devout” Muslim who used his influence as a “positive force” among young people in the community.

It is understood Dawud, also called David, was rehearsing at a music studio in a block of flats off Sunnyside Road when he was shot dead.

A group of childhood friends visited the scene last night and lit candles beside the road.

One told the Standard: “We’ve come here to give our condolences. I don’t know what’s happened or what’s been going on, I just saw the news. He was our younger pal so to see him go like this is awful.

“He was only 25. We all know him well. He was our mate. He was funny and he loved music. He loved rap music especially Skepta and JME.

“We used to go to the youth club together after school and trips out of London. This was his neighbourhood. It’s so sad.”

Another friend said: “He was a really good guy and a father. And at the same time he used to do a lot to try and be a good influence on the youth in the area.

“He was very popular and most importantly a very devout Muslim. It’s always the good guys this happens to.”

A 21-year-old neighbour who called police after discovering finding the body in the doorway of the studio, said: “I was just on my way up the road. It was really quiet. I looked inside and saw a body on the floor.

“Initially I thought he had been knocked out or something. But then I saw his head open.

“He had obviously been shot and there was blood everywhere. He was dying.

“I called the police and then I called my mum and told her not to be scared.

“He’s more like a poet that a rapper, he writes about his life and just general things like that.

“He’s a very religious, very faithful person. The sight of seeing him like that is really affecting me.”

Police forensics officers, dressed in light blue overalls, continued to comb the area last night.

Detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command are investigating led by Detective Chief Inspector Dave Whellams.

No arrests have been made and enquires continue.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact the incident room on 0208 345 3775 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org