George Barker murder: First picture of young father stabbed to death at gym run by Idris Elba’s trainer

George Barker, 24, was killed in November 2016
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This is the first picture of a young man who was stabbed to death at a kickboxing gym run by Idris Elba’s personal trainer.

George Barker, 24, was killed by a group of men in south London days after his partner gave birth to a baby girl.

The gang arrived at the gym in Bexley on Monday morning before launching the attack, witnesses said.

One said the victim screamed for help as he lay dying in the arms of a woman.

Stabbing: A man died from his injuries at the gym
Nigel Howard

His mother Julie said her son’s partner, CJ, had given birth five days before his death, and they were due to register a name this week.

She told the News Shopper: “I need to find the people that did it. They all set on him, his friend was with him.”

She said the family were devastated and had no idea why anyone would attack Mr Barker, who was a watch salesman.

At the family home in South Darenth, Kent, she said: “We can’t understand why this would happen. He was a cheeky boy and very lovable with lots of friends. He loved the gym, he was always there and was very fit.

"He has never been in trouble. He went to the gym and never came back.”

The attack took place shortly before a Thai boxing class was due to start at the Double K gym in Stable Lane.

It is based in a corrugated iron hut and run by Kieran Keddle, a former Thai boxing champion who trained Luther star Elba for his debut kickboxing bout last month.

The Double K Gym in Bexley

Police said they were called at 9.40am after reports of a stabbing. Officers and paramedics found Mr Barker suffering critical injuries. He died at the scene a short time later.

A witness added: “The gym owner came running in asking for bandages to stem the flow of bleeding. We were told a group came in and attacked the guy. It happened in a matter of seconds.” A cordon has been set up and officers are carrying out searches.

The gym is run by Kieran Keddle, pictured with Idris Elba

Lynn Purves, 60, who owns nearby Slade Stables, where children were saddling up for a morning ride, said: “My daughter was outside and heard a man desperately screaming, ‘Help, help.’ A woman who was with him was trying to help, saying ‘Don’t worry, someone is coming.”

Another witness said: “The attack came out of nowhere. Everything was normal, lads had turned up for a class then there was blood everywhere.”

Elba’s quest to become a kickboxer is documented in TV show Idris Elba: Fighter, to be broadcast next year.

Call police on 020 8345 3985 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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