KEY POINTS:
The family of a young man stabbed to death in Howick has a message for his killers: "Have a heart and hand yourself in."
Daryl Graydon died in the back of an ambulance after being stabbed several times while walking along Ridge Rd early on Saturday.
While police yesterday went door to door seeking witnesses to the attack, the 24-year-old Panmure man's family pleaded for the killers to surrender.
Family friend Allan Nicol told the Herald Daryl's mother, Louanna Graydon, had hardly slept since her son's death.
He said her wish was for the killers - or anyone who knew them - to contact the police immediately.
"This was a precious life cut short and those responsible, if they have any heart, need to come forward and take responsibility for this.
"Those that know them and their parents, likewise. Put yourself in the same position if it was your son whose life was cut short."
Mr Nicol said the plea extended to the killers' friends.
Detective Senior Sergeant Karyn Malthus urged the killers to come forward now, rather than wait for police to find them.
"Yesterday I said we were coming for you. That's still true. The net is closing. Today I say come forward and give us your story."
It's believed Mr Graydon and four friends - one a female - left a party in Mellons Bay Rd between 1am and 1.30am.
As they headed towards Ridge Rd they came across two men and there was a verbal row, followed by pushing and shoving.
After the fight, three of Mr Graydon's friends decided to return to the party, while he and his friend Campbell Sussex continued up Mellons Bay Rd to Ridge Rd.
The pair were again challenged by the two men as they approached Nelson St. It is understood their attackers were carrying at least three knives, and Mr Graydon was stabbed several times.
The killers are believed to be aged between 18 and 25. One was described as European with blond hair and freckles and wearing a brown and grey hooded top. The other was part-Maori or olive-skinned, with dark spikey hair and wearing an electric blue shirt. They are described as having South African accents.
