A grieving grandmother has paid tribute to George Barker, who died after a frenzied knife attack outside a gym - five days after becoming a father.

A manhunt was launched this week after the 24-year-old from Holmesdale Hill, South Darenth, was stabbed to death.

Today his grandmother Irene Charlton, said: "It's a dreadful, dreadful thing. I'm at sixes and sevens, I don't know what's going on.

"Five days before he was killed his partner gave birth to a little girl. I don't think they'd even decided on a name."

Mrs Charlton, 82, from Faversham, spent all night outside the Double K Gym, in Bexley, where Mr Barker died on Monday.

He was her only grandson and she stood with the rest of his family, including his mother Julie and sister Lucy, while the police worked at the scene.

His other sister, Sarah, is living in France and making her way home after the devastating news.

She commented on our KentOnline story about Mr Barker yesterday, saying “That’s my brother” followed by crying-face images.

Mrs Charlton paid tribute to Mr Barker said: "George my one and only gorgeous grandson.

"I do not know the words that will describe how much I will miss you – my fun loving grandson.

"So full of life there will be an enormous gap in all our lives. No one can hurt you now George and we will all see you again one day.

"Lots of love, Nan xxx"

The London Ambulance Service and officers from the Metropolitan Police were called to Stable Lane at 9.41am on Monday, but Mr Barker died soon afterwards.

A post-mortem examination found his death was caused by wounds to his chest and abdomen.

The Met has launched a murder investigation, but no arrests have been made.

The Homicide and Major Crime Command (HMCC) are investigating and anyone with information is asked to call 0208 345 3985, the police non-emergency line on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

To pay tribute to George Barker email gravesendmessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk, call 01474 564327 or write to: Gravesend Messenger, 7 High Street, Gravesend, DA11 0BQ.