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Daily Record
Daily Record
World
Alahna Kindred & Fionnuala Boyle

Ex-footballer Ian Wright's friend named as new dad stabbed to death on London Bridge

A new dad who was killed with a shard of glass on London Bridge has been revealed as a friend of ex-footballer and pundit Ian Wright.

The tragedy unfolded at around 4am on Saturday, November 26 when Metropolitan Police found Reece Newcombe, 31, stabbed at the famous landmark with what they believed to be a piece of broken glass.

He had just welcomed a baby girl in June. Before paramedics arrived, cops performed CPR on the victim and he was rushed to hospital. Sadly, he could not be saved, and died later that morning, reports the Mirror.

It is now understood Reece helped train ex-Arsenal footballer Ian Wright for a charity match, having been pictured with Wright in recent times. In the wake of his death, Reece's heartbroken family paid heartfelt tribute to him.

Writing on social media, the family said: "This is the hardest thing for us to write. We are truly heartbroken at the loss of our son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin.

Reece had reportedly helped Ian train for a charity boxing match (Facebook)

"Words cannot describe our grief. Our family is broken and never will be the same again without Reece's larger-than-life personality.

"As a family, we will make sure his darling daughter Misse will know all about her Daddy and how much he loved her and how much he was loved by everyone."

They added: "We appreciate everyone's love and support. RIP our beloved Reecey Bear." Specialist officers are supporting the bereaved family. A post-mortem examination will be held in due course. There have been no arrests made yet.

Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin said: "We believe a number of people watched the incident unfold and some onlookers may have recorded footage on their mobile phones.

The late Reece embracing the popular TV personality (Facebook)

"Anyone who has yet to speak to us is urged to come forward immediately. My team are working to provide Reece's family with answers and the public could have valuable information that will help our investigation."

Chief Superintendent Lis Chapple, lead for policing in Richmond, said: "My thoughts are with Reece and his family. We will do everything we can to support our colleagues in Specialist Crime as they work to establish what has happened here.

"A scene will remain in place and my officers will remain posted at the scene and in the area to speak to local people about any concerns they have, or information they might want to share."

Anyone with information that could assist police should call 101 or tweet @MetCC ref CAD 1099/26NOV.

To remain 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

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