Man stabbed to death had 'heart of gold' - family

Tommy Boom died after suffering stab wounds in a park

The family of a man who was stabbed to death have described him as a "loveable" character with a "heart of gold".

Tommy Boom, 30, a father to one, died in Millers Meadow - also known as Semilong Park - in Northampton at about midnight on Thursday after suffering stab wounds.

Northamptonshire Police is conducting a murder investigation and have made several arrests.

Mr Boom's family in a statement said his smile would light up a room.

"Tommy was such a loveable character with a heart of gold and had lots of friends," they said.

"He loved his daughter so much. It breaks our hearts that they will not have that chance to create a lifetime of memories together."

The family, that described themselves as close, said telling their extended families of his death "ripped our world apart".

"We saw a different side of Tommy, one which he rarely showed to others," they continued in their statement.

"He was kind and could be quite sensitive, but he loved life and socialising. He had the most beautiful smile - it would always light up the room."

'Absolutely destroyed us'

Mr Boom moved to Northampton from east London when he was 10.

His family said he was passionate about fitness and loved to cook.

"As a family we still feel numb about what has happened, it just doesn’t feel real that he is dead," they added.

"It has just absolutely destroyed us.

"Reading all the tributes on social media along with the cards and flowers at Semilong Park has provided some source of comfort.

"It’s been nice to see how loved he was by other people and how he will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him."

The family thanked the police force for its work in the investigation.

Four people have been arrested in the investigation and the force were in the Semilong area over the weekend.

It said anyone with concerns was encouraged to speak with officers.