A £10,000 reward has been put up by police investigating the murder of George Barker in Bexley Village.

Mr Barker, of South Darenth, died from knife wounds at the Double K Gym in Stable Lane, Bexley Village, on the morning of November 14, 2016.

The 24-year-old’s partner had given birth to their baby daughter just five days before he was killed. They were due to register her name the week he was killed.

Now police want to track down Charles (Charlie) Riddington as part of the investigation and are offering the £10,000 reward for information which leads to his arrest.

Charles Riddington is also known to use the alias ‘Barry Ryan’, according to police.

The Met Police said an investigation is underway by detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, led by Detective Chief Inspector Laurence Smith.

Officers know that Riddington left the UK from Manchester Airport for Dusseldorf travelling under his alias, but he may have returned to the UK.

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This time last year, hundreds of mourners gathered outside St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Farningham for George’s funeral. Some mourners had to listen from the churchyard after the church became packed with grieving friends and relatives.

Friends paid tribute to ‘the most loyal friend you could ask for’.

His mother, partner and daughter followed the procession, which was led by a horse-drawn carriage which carried his gold coffin through the High Street to the church.

News Shopper:

Friends carried the gold coffin into the church

George’s distraught mother Julie Barker paid tribute to her son in the days after his death.

She told News Shopper: “He was cheeky. He was extremely good-looking.

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

One friend paid tribute, saying: "I'm sure we could all say George was fun and could put a smile on your face. He was the most loyal friend you could ask for. He had a heart of gold.

"He always told you exactly what he thought. He was always having a banter and having a laugh. George was a powerful geezer.

"I'm sure he's looking down on us. We all want justice but we have to remember the good times.

"George, you're the best mate ever. Life will never be the same without you. I miss you and I love you."

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Another said: "I know you'll be looking down on all of us with that bright, bright smile of yours.

Police raided four homes in south east London and Kent in January 2017, including one in Orpington, though no arrests were made.

Anyone who has information concerning the murder, or Charles Riddington's whereabouts, should call the incident room on 020 8345 3985 - you can also tweet information to @MetCC.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.