The borough's council leader has expressed his sympathy to the family and friends of a young father murdered on the streets of Richmond.

Reece Newcombe, aged 31, died following an attack close to Richmond Bridge in the early hours of Saturday morning.

A 32-year-old man has been arrested by the police investigating the murder.

A GoFundMe page set up to support Reece's baby daughter, Misse, has raised a remarkable £78,000 in just a few days.

Reece was raised in the Feltham area, and family members still live there, while his most recent address was in Egham.

He was well known locally as a boxer and was involved with the Westside Boxing Gym, on Whitton Road, with his father John Holland and grandfather, Harry.

The family are well-known across the borough in helping hundreds of youngsters through the gym with a number going on to become successful boxers.

Reece was also involved in helping to train former footballer and now TV pundit, Ian Wright, to take part in a charity boxing match.

The tragedy has triggered calls from residents on social media for a return of the town's police station.

Richmond has seen a resurgence in violence, drunkenness and antisocial behaviour in recent months, leading the police to establish a number of dispersal orders to break up groups of people.

Just two weeks ago, a man was stabbed in broad daylight in the middle of Twickenham, close to the police station there.

Cllr Gareth Roberts said the police are stepping up patrols in the town centre to offer help and reassurance.

Speaking of the murder, he said: "Mr Newcombe, though not a borough resident, was well-known to many people locally and he had strong connections to the borough.

"And I am sure I speak for borough residents as a whole when I pass on our sincere condolences to Mr Newcombe's friends and his family."

He added: "I have been informed by the police that a man is currently in custode in direct connection with this crime.

"And I have been given further assurances from the police that they will continue with local controls so that people feel reassured."

The incident happened at the top of Richmond Bridge close to the Viva nightclub, Odeon cinema and Nando's.

Cllr Roberts said he is aware of some speculation on social media about the circumstances. But, he said: "I would ask that you do not contribute to the speculation or engage with any speculation as doing so could impede any future trial."

He added: "It's important that we give Mr Newcombe's family and his friends time to mourn their loss and give the police time to conduct their inquiries and bring this matter to trial."

Reece's family and friends are planning to hold a 'memory walk' in his honour on Sunday, December 4.

It will start at noon from the car park opposite Pools on the Park, Richmond, with the group walking across Richmond Green to Richmond Bridge, where flowers will be laid.