Tributes are flowing for Reece Newcombe
(Picture: Handout/Met Police)The family of a new father stabbed to death on Richmond Bridge have said they will “never be the same again” as friends raise thousands for his infant daughter in his memory.
Father-of-one Reece Newcombe, 31, was stabbed with what is believed to be a piece of broken glass during a fight in Richmond on Saturday.
He was given CPR by Metropolitan Police officers and rushed to hospital by paramedics after a fight on Richmond Bridge at roughly 4am.
But depsite their best efforts, he died later on Saturday. On Monday afternoon a 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder, Scotland Yard said in a statement.
Mr Newcombe, a talented boxer, had trained football pundit Ian Wright for a celebrity boxing bout in 2014, according to reports.
A family member wrote on Facebook: “This is the hardest thing for us to write.
“We are truly heartbroken at the loss of our beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin. 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 ensure his darling daughter will know all about her daddy and how much he loved her and how much he was loved by everyone.
“Everyone that crossed paths with Reece always has a funny story to tell about his crazy antics.”
His devastated brother Kane wrote on Facebook: “My brother!! I will forever cherish everything we ever did together! No one can ever replace the brother, the friend you were to me!
“You were always the one I inspired and looked up to way beyond belief as many others did. I idolised you in every way, the way you cared, the way you made me laugh and everyone you were around.
“The way you lifted the atmosphere up! You made me the man I am today!! I’ve lost my brother as well as my bestest friend! Absolutely heartbroken words can’t justify the way it hurts!! Love you so much my brother, my friend, my everything!!”
A GoFundMe raising money for his infant daughter has raised over £55,000.
His grieving family have organised a memorial walk on Sunday to lay flowers and other items at the spot on Richmond Bridge where he was killed.
They added: “Such are the circumstances around Reece passing it may be a while until we can lay him to rest and give him the send off he deserves.
“Reece was so loved and touched many lives, So please don’t hesitate to join us and show how much he really meant to all of us and the mark he left on our lives.”
Detectives believe there were “a number” of witnesses and believe some may have recorded the fight on their phone.
Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin said: “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.”
A post-mortem examination will be held in due course. No arrests have been made at this time.
