Dozens of flowers and tributes have been left at the spot where a man was killed with a 'single punch' in Blackheath.

Oliver Dearlove, from Eltham, died in hospital on Sunday evening after being attacked shortly after midnight while waiting for a taxi with a group of friends outside a pub in Tranquil Vale.

The murder investigation into the 30-year-old's death continues as police appeal for anyone with information to come forward. 

Today residents spoke of their shock and upset after the attack on a quiet street lined with shops in the heart of Blackheath Village.

Volunteers at a nearby charity shop said they were "very surprised" to hear of the news when they returned to the shop the next day.

Judy Edwards, from Lee, told News Shopper: "it's so terrible. A young man who has a great future ahead of him.

"It's shocking that things like this can happen." 

News Shopper:

Oliver Dearlove, pictured with girlfriend Claire

Another shop worker at a nearby grocers said he had to close the store after police cordoned off the entire road on Sunday.

He too expressed his surprise at the news.

"Especially as Blackheath is a nice area, a quiet area," he said.

"Everybody is shocked."

Colourful tributes left around a tree near to where Mr Dearlove died pay tribute to a "great friend". 

One reads: "To my wingman, team mate and best friend. You had a good run and you did it all. 

"Your spirit will live on with us forever."

Another said: "To my best mate Oliver. You have been a great friend to me over the years. 

"You have been the centre of our group and leave a void we can't fill."

News Shopper:

Tranquil Vale was cordoned off after the incident

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."

A post-mortem examination 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.

News Shopper:

Flowers have been left at the scene

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. 

"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? Get in touch by emailing Jessica.bell@london.newsquest.co.uk.