A mother whose son was stabbed to death in a Bexley gym, days after his partner gave birth to a baby girl, has paid tribute to her “cheeky” and “extremely good-looking” son.

George Barker of South Darenth, died from knife wounds at the Double K Gym in Stable Lane, Bexley Village, just before 9.41am on Monday when police were called.

Pathologists have confirmed that the 24-year-old died from stab wounds to the chest and abdomen.

Mr Barker’s distraught mother Julie Barker appealed for anyone with information to contact police.

She said: “There were six of them. I just want information. [There were] no masks. It’s all we’ve got.

“If anybody knows anything, I need to find the people that did it. They all set on him, his friend was with him. That’s what his friend said.

“[It happened] at 9.40am, [I didn’t find out until] 3pm or 4pm. I was screaming down the phone until [the police] told me.”

News Shopper:

Mr Barker with friend Syd Smith

Ms Barker said she did not think the men were members of the gym due to its size, comparing it to a “tin shed”, and that those who trained there knew each other.

She said her son’s partner had given birth to their unnamed baby daughter only five days before he was murdered, and that they were due to register a name this week.

She said: “He was cheeky. He was extremely good-looking.

“He had lots of friends, hundreds of friends.”

Faye Krystal Rose Smith posted on social media: “RIP George Barker, even though you was younger than me so in a different year at school you still always made me laugh when I saw you, terrorising people with Aiden & making us girls laugh.

“Completely shocked.. Rest well beautiful boy.”

Kam Cafc Mirza said: “RIP George Barker, always had a smile and made time for everyone.”

News Shopper:

The homicide and major crime command (HMCC) is investigating Mr Barker’s death after police launched a murder investigation.

A tweet from Bexley police said: “The investigation is in the very early stages. We do have increased resources in the area, to provide reassurances to the local community.

”No arrests have been made and enquiries are still ongoing," according to a Met Police spokeswoman.

Double K is a Thai boxing and K-1 gym that runs classes for men, women and children.

Head coach is Kieran Keddle, who coached actor Idris Elba ahead of a professional fight in Thailand last month.

Mr Keddle posted on Facebook: "Due to unforeseen circumstances that are not related to the gym or staff at Double K we will be shut for the a while, I will keep you all posted."

Anyone with information on the stabbing should call detectives on 0208 345 3985, the police non-emergency line on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.