The mother of a young father stabbed to death on a basketball court in south London today paid tribute today to her “kind-hearted” son.
Nicholas Stewart, 25, was discovered with serious stab wounds on the court near his family home on the Henry Prince estate in Earlsfield on Wednesday night.
Neighbours described hearing shouting and the roar of car engines before the group of about 20 young people scattered in panic. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.
Decorator Mr Stewart today lived with his mother and step-father and he was described as being devoted to his five-year-old daughter, who lived with her mother in Clapham.
His mother Jennifer Beckford said: “Last week he was telling me about his plans to move closer to his daughter so he could spend more time with her.
"I saw her today and she doesn’t really understand what has happened. She brought a card and I asked her who it was for, and she said ‘it’s for daddy’.
“He had this kind heart. When I think of him I remember the kindness that seemed to shine on his face. He was always smiling. I will always remember his laugh.”
Detectives arrested a man on suspicion of murder and appealed for witnesses.
Anyone with information should call police on 020 872 14961 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
