The mother of a young man killed in a “motiveless” attack at a wine bar today launched an impassioned appeal for people to help find his attacker.
Roads planner Joshua Hanson, 21, was slashed in the neck during a night out in Eastcote, north-west London, in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Police said up to 40 people were present at the time of the “unprovoked” attack in the Re Bar, but his killer fled the scene during the chaotic aftermath.
Today his mother Tracey paid tribute to her son, who was planning to go travelling and “see more of the world” next year.
“Josh was a son that any mother would wish for,” she said. “He was a hard-working man who provided for his family. He was also carving out a promising career for himself.
“He was always smiling and laughing - he made everyone laugh with his upbeat approach to life.
"All those who met him only had good things to say and this is being reflected in the offers of condolence to me, his friends and family."
She added: "Please, if you know anything, come forward and tell the police who committed this horrific crime and inform them of their whereabouts."
A murder investigation was today continuing after the attack at about 1.10am on Sunday.
Police said Mr Hanson was approached by a man he did not know and stabbed once while he was enjoying a night out with his girlfriend and some friends.
Scotland Yard today reiterated an appeal for anyone in the bar on the night of the attack to contact them.
Det Ch Insp Noel McHugh from the Homicide and Major Crime Command said: "Even if you think you did not see anything, we need to account for everyone who was there that night.
"Most people in the bar would have known each other, and someone will know who the killer is and where he is now."
He added: "Josh was a hard-working young lad, up at 5am for his job as a roads planner and often working seven days a week. He had everything to live for and when he went out that Saturday night no one could have imagined what would happen to him. His family are in pieces."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8785 8099 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
