Millwall football stars have led the tributes for Tommy Blackmore, the 20-year-old man killed in an incident near Tower Bridge on Saturday.
Club shirts and scarves are amongst the tributes left for the Rotherhithe boy at the scene of the incident in Queen Elizabeth Street.
Promising youngster Aiden O’Brien paid tribute to “one of Millwall’s biggest fans” in an emotional Tweet on Saturday.
RIP Tommy Blackmore one of Millwalls biggest fans! Taken too soon! Me and the rest of the boys send our love??????pic.twitter.com/b2621wp3n9
— AidenObrien (@AidenObrien22) June 13, 2015
Sid Nelson also sent a Tweet of support for Tommy and another Millwall fan who recently passed away.
Just got back from holiday to see 2 young Millwall fella’s have sadly passed away. RIP lads.
— Sid Nelson (@Sid_Nelson5) June 14, 2015
Club legend Alan Dunne, recently released by the club, also released a message saying he was “horrified” by the news. He said he was a “nice kid” and a “true Millwall fan”.
Am horrified to have heard about Tommy Blackmore. Met him a few times & what a nice kid he was. True Millwall fan who’s been taken so young.
— ALAN DUNNE (@alandunne2) June 14, 2015
Simon Hughes, former MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, also took to Twitter and said Tommy’s death was “tragic.”
In middle of celebrations for others, I send personal condolences 2 all family & friends on death of #Tommy Blackmore. RIP boy. Just tragic.
— Simon Hughes (@SimonHughes) June 13, 2015
The Blackmore family described the youngest of three boys as “a loving and fiercely loyal son, brother, uncle and friend.”
They continued: “He made an impact on and had time for everybody who crossed his path. A vibrant character, cheeky, charming, comical and wise way beyond his twenty years.
“He was one of the promoters for and heavily involved the ‘Fight 4 Cancer’ charity which has so far raised over £32,000 for Cancer Research UK. Tommy loved sport, especially football. He played regularly and was a lifelong Millwall fan.
“He was a well loved and hugely popular boy which has been demonstrated by the sheer number of people who have left a sea of flowers and tributes both at his family home and at Tower Bridge. This afternoon over 150 friends and family took part in a walk from his home up to Tower Bridge to pay their respects. All the boats on the River Thames today flew their flags at half mast as a mark of respect for Tommy.
“Tommy has been summed up by the thousands of comments left on social media in the last 36 hours which have all been positive and described him as the harmless and fun character that he was. The respect and love that has been shown is usually reserved for someone much older and is a testament to what a terrible loss has been suffered.”
A 28-year-old man has been charged with Tommy’s murder. Lloyd Smythe, 28, of Staple Street, Tabard Gardens Estate, SE1 will appear in custody at Camberwell Green Magistrates’ Court today.
Three other men were also arrested in connection with the incident, with one released with no further action and two others released on police bail pending further enquiries.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8721 4868, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.