Tributes have been paid to an Eltham man who was killed in a 'single punch' attack in Blackheath.

Oliver Dearlove, 30, was attacked in Tranquil Vale in the early hours of Sunday.

Mr Dearlove was rushed to an east London hospital in a critical condition but he died at 10.22pm the same day.

The murder investigation into Mr Dearlove's death continues, as police piece together his evening and appeal for witnesses to get in touch.

His mother, Joy Wright, from Chislehurst, told The Guardian her son died after hitting the ground when he fell backwards following a single punch.

She said: "He and his friends all met up, had lunch, dinner, drinks. He texted his girlfriend that he loved her around 10pm.

"Someone picked a fight, punched him and [he] fell backwards and that was it."

She added: "He was just perfect. I’m in a state of shock. 

"I’m absolutely devastated for him. [He had] so much more life to live.”

A post-mortem examination held today gave the cause of death as intracranial haemorrhage and further tests are ongoing.

On the night of the attack Mr Dearlove and a group of University friends had been to a bar in Montpelier Vale.

After leaving the bar they walked to Tranquil Vale where they waited for a pre-booked taxi.

Police said the group began talking some women when a man approached the group and struck Oliver, causing him to collapse.

The suspect then fled, possibly in the direction of Blackheath.

Detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, who were appealing to four women at the scene of the crime to get in touch, have now spoken to the witnesses.

Mr Dearlove, who worked at banking firm Duncan Lawrie, was said to have been attacked as the group of friends left O'Neills Bar.

Jeff Durant, head of private banking at Duncan Lawrie, said: "Oliver Dearlove was a popular and dedicated member of our London Private Banking relationship team with a bright future ahead of him.

"We are a small community and this is a great shock not only to those who knew him personally and worked with him closely, but for all of us. We are all deeply saddened by this senseless and tragic event.

"Our thoughts are with Oliver's family at this difficult time."

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The police cordon in Tranquil Vale, Blackheath. Picture: Masha Mombelli/Kent 999s/ Twitter.

Passer-by Keris Marsden told on social media how she and her partner came across Mr Dearlove shortly after the attack.

She said on Facebook: "Driving home last night we came across someone who'd been attacked, Matt leaped from the car, took control of the situation calling emergency services and performed CPR as the guy had stopped breathing.

"The ambulance crew took over and revived him."

Comedian Rob Beckett, who lived in Mottingham and grew up with Mr Dearlove, urged anyone with information about the attack to contact police.

He said on Twitter: "My best friend growing up Oli Dearlove was killed in #Blackheath.

"If you have any info please report it."

Detective Chief Inspector Lee Watling said: "The investigation is moving at a fast pace and we have made considerable progress so far in identifying and speaking to a number of significant witnesses who are helping us to understand the exact sequence of events. 

"We are also undertaking significant CCTV enquiries from Blackheath Village and the surrounding areas to establish if the suspect has been captured on CCTV, and help us to identify him as soon as possible. In the meantime, I would encourage the man to come forward and speak to me about the events of Sunday night.

"Blackheath was still busy at that time of the evening and perhaps someone saw or heard something suspicious. If so, I would encourage them to call the police. They may have important information which could help us to identify the suspect as soon as possible.

"I would like to thank everybody who has come forward so far, but would like to appeal once again to anyone who was in Blackheath Village that evening and saw the suspect assault Oliver or saw him leaving the area afterwards to come forward.

"Oliver’s family, his girlfriend and friends have been left devastated by his death and deserve to know what happened to him. If you have any information, no matter how insignificant you think it is, contact the police."

Police said no arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information that may assist police is asked to call the incident room on 0208 721 4205. To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Would you like to pay tribute to Mr Dearlove? Email patrickgg@london.newsquest.co.uk or call 01689 88721.