A man who was stabbed to death in a "horrible" early morning attack has been identified as Dennis Anderson.

Police were called to reports of man having been stabbed in Lordship Lane, East Dulwich, at about 2.35am on Sunday.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 3am.

The Metropolitan Police said on Monday evening that, while it is still awaiting formal identification, it is confident the victim was the 39-year-old Mr Anderson from Lewisham.

The force said the attacker had approached the dad in an off-licence shop and a row erupted before Mr Anderson was attacked.

No arrests have been made and a post-mortem examination is due to be held on Tuesday, February 12.

Shop assistant manager Muhammad Khan said: "My cousin was here, he was manager.

"The guy who had the knife came in about five or six minutes after the man who got stabbed.

"The guy with the knife asked the other for free cigarettes, like as a favour or something. I don't know whether he knew him.

"They has an argument and he took out a knife. Everyone was trying to stop him."

Detective Inspector Domenica Catino, who is leading the investigation, appealed for witnesses to the "horrible attack".

Ms Catino added: "We are aware of speculation around the motive for this attack and can now confirm that the suspect approached Mr Anderson in an off-licence shop before an altercation broke out and the suspect delivered a fatal attack.

"Our top priorities now are to support Mr Anderson's family and catch the person responsible for this horrible attack.

"Officers are working around the clock to locate this suspect and bring him into custody."

Witnesses should call police in the incident room on 020 8721 4961 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.