The family of a nightclub DJ who was stabbed to death outside a Subway store have told of their devastation as police continue to hold a 16-year-old boy for murder.
Tom Roberts, 21, was walking through the center of Bournemouth in the early hours of Saturday morning when he allegedly had an argument with his attacker.
He was stabbed in the chest and rushed to hospital where he died shortly afterwards.
Dorset Police arrested a teenager suspected of murdering Mr Roberts on Sunday. He remains in custody and is being questioned by detectives.
Mr Roberts’ heartbroken family said they could not understand what had happened to him.
He was a drum and bass DJ known as ‘Nomad’ and had previously worked in local nightclubs in Bournemouth but dreamed of becoming a Royal Marine in the future.
Her sister, Patti Roberts, paid tribute to her younger brother.
She said: “He was such a strong, kind and funny person. I didn’t see him as a man because to me he was always this cheeky, mischievous brother who brought so much life to the room.
“We can’t begin to understand what happened to him.
“His future was going to be bright. He wanted to be a Marine. He had a great relationship with his girlfriend and they were supposed to go on vacation this week.
“He had so many people in his life who loved him. And now he’s gone.”
Miss Roberts said he had been ‘so excited’ to attend her wedding in June, which was going to be a ‘huge family reunion’ after two years of the coronavirus pandemic.
She called on any witnesses or anyone with dash cam footage at the time and location of the fatal attack to come forward.
She added: “Anyone who carries a knife needs to be made aware of the devastating consequences. So please, if anyone has any information about the incident let them know.”
Mr Roberts’ devastated mother, Dolores Wallace, posted on Facebook on Sunday: “My heart breaks after losing my son Tommy yesterday to a senseless act of murder.
“It’s been a little over 24 hours since he’s been gone and it still doesn’t feel real.
“He was only 21. He wanted to be a Marine. We miss him so much and he deserves justice.”
Police cordoned off an area outside the Subway store and Walkabout pub on Old Christchurch Road in Bournemouth after the knife attack which happened at 4.44am on Saturday.
A park directly in front of the scene was also cordoned off by the police while forensic scientists carried out searches.
As well as making an arrest, a second man who was later identified as a potential witness by CCTV assisted police with their investigations after coming forward.
Detective Inspector Simon Huxter, of Dorset Police’s Major Crimes Investigation Team, said: “A full and detailed investigation is underway into this incident and our thoughts are with the family of the victim. in this very difficult time.
“I urge anyone who saw what happened and has not yet spoken to officers to contact Dorset Police immediately.
“I also look forward to hearing from anyone who may have witnessed what happened, or captured anything of interest on CCTV or home dashcam, please come forward.
“As we begin our first investigations, a cordon remains in place to allow officers and crime scene investigators to conduct their examinations. I would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding during this vital work.
“Members of the public will see an increased police presence in the area over the next few days and officers from the local Neighborhood Policing Team can be approached if there is an issue.”
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