Hundreds of people have paid tribute to a young father who died after he was attacked near Richmond Bridge in the early hours Saturday.

The family of Reece Newcombe, aged 31, has been overwhelmed by the love and support they have received in the wake of the tragedy.

A GoFundMe page set up to raise funds for Reece's six month old daughter, Misse, has remarkably raised more than £51,000 in a little over 12 hours and donations continue to flood in.

Reece was well known as a local boxer, while his dad, John Holland, and grandfather Harry have helped hundreds of youngsters through the Westside Boxing Gym, on Whitton Road.

Together they trained former footballer and TV pundit, Ian Wright, for a charity boxing bout and the actor, Jack O'Connell, who recently starred as Paddy Mayne in the BBC series 'SAS: Rogue Heroes', and the new film adaptation of Lady Chatterley's Lover.

Reece's best friend, James Dobson, set up the fundraising effort to help support his six month old daughter, Misse, on Sunday evening.

He said: "Reece was a loveable, fun guy loved by all.

"He didn't have a bad bone in his body. He made an impact on everyone he met. Devastatingly over the weekend Reece was murdered, leaving his daughter Misse behind.

"I want to raise money to give Misse the first Christmas and start in life her dad would have wanted."

This morning, he said: "I would like to thank on behalf of Reece's family and friends, each and every person who has donated, no matter how big or small.

"This is a very tough time for us all, but to see the generosity of so many people and to see how loved Reece is brings us warmth."

More than 1,000 people have made a donation, while hundreds have posted messages of love and support on social media.

In a statement, Reece's family said: "We are truly heartbroken at the loss of our 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 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."

The Metropolitan Police believe the incident was filmed by onlookers on mobile phones and they have asked for witnesses to come forward.

A spokesman said: "A murder investigation is under way in Richmond.

"Police were called at around 04:00hrs on Saturday, November 26, to a fight on Richmond Bridge.

"Officers attended and found a man, aged in his early 30s, suffering serious injuries. Officers administered CPR prior to the arrival of paramedics before the man was taken to hospital.

"Despite their efforts the man died later in the morning. His next of kin have been informed; they are being supported by specialist officers."

No arrests have been made at this time.

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

"Anyone who has yet to speak to us is urged to come forward immediately.

"My team are working to provide the deceased man'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 the man who died 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."

The tragedy has renewed calls for the return of a police station in Richmond, which has been increasingly blighted with antisocial behaviour and violence around the weekends.