TWO men have been jailed for life for murdering a hip-hop fan after a row broke out over the lyrics of a song.

Richard Holmes, 21, from Chingford, north London, was shot in the heart as he fled from the gunmen almost a year ago to the day.

Carl Dobson, 23, a musician, from Stratford, and Anthony Green, 35, from Chingford, were both sentenced to life imprisonment at the Old Bailey today. They must serve a minimum of 30 years.

Trouble began on the Chingford Hall estate on November 3 last year when local youths accused artist Shak, aka Sabar Shah, of insulting another musician, Dwayne Mahorn, through his lyrics.

Police said violence between "associates" of the two artists escalated and others were "called on" with firearms.

Dobson and Green fired shots at Mr Holmes from behind as he ran for his life.

The victim received a gunshot wound to the heart and suffered two further wounds to his left thigh and upper right arm. He died at the scene before police and paramedics arrived.

A police spokesman said: "Although it remains unclear exactly why Richard was shot, we understand that he was in support of freedom of speech through lyrics and his support for Shak's lyrics may have played a role in his death."

Richard Horwell, prosecuting, said the song accused Mr Mahorn of having "lost touch with his routes."

The Common Serjeant of London Judge Brian Barker said: "This was an operation of staggering ruthlessness and arrogance.

"This was nothing but a cold-blooded killing."

Richard, who lived with his mother, stepfather and three younger siblings, enjoyed producing and recording hip hop music with friends.

DCI Matthew Horne, leading the investigation, said: "It is a tragedy that Richie was killed and his family will continue to suffer from his loss for many years.

"The fact that the catalyst for the violence were the lyrics of a song, somehow makes his death even more senseless.

"These men hoped that this level of violence and their reputations would prevent people from giving evidence - they were wrong."

DCI Horne paid tribute to the youths who helped with the investigation.

He added: "Working closely with Richie's family and the community in Chingford we collectively demonstrated our resolve to vigorously pursue those responsible and bring them to justice."

Mr Mahorn, 24, was arrested and charged with murder but was found not guilty.