Friends' tears for estate agent

Friends of estate agent Timothy Robinson gathered today at the spot where he was stabbed to death by two men as he got out of his car outside his home.

Clutching wreaths and large bouquets of flowers, the group wept as they reached the bloodstained kerb where Mr Robinson, 25, was stabbed repeatedly in the face and chest in Warriner Gardens, Battersea.

Police believe his attackers were trying to steal his Audi, and his murder may be linked to a violent carjacking in the area hours before. His girlfriend Jemma Joyce, 26, cradled him as he lay on the ground.

At the scene of the unprovoked attack, one grief-stricken friend sobbed openly and was comforted by two others who held him in their arms. Another asked: "Why did it have to be him?"

James Moran, 28, who had asked Mr Robinson to be his best man, said: "He was the best friend a person could have. It is a total waste that he had to lose his life. Tim was one of the most generous and vivacious guys I knew. He lived his life to the full and we all loved him."

Mr Moran, whose mother, sister and brother joined him in laying flowers, said that he had spent the day with Mr Robinson in Hampshire last Sunday, hours before he was attacked.

He said "We will all miss him dearly. I can't comment on what the family are going through, it's not my place, but they are obviously devastated." Mr Moran's mother added: "We have known Tim for years. I can't believe we only saw him on the day he died. It's just so shocking that a young man can lose his life in such a way."

After taking a last glimpse at the spot where he fell, the group then headed back to their cars. One, who did not want to be named, said they were planning to go for a drink to celebrate and commemorate their friend's life.

Mr Robinson died in St Thomas' Hospital yesterday without regaining consciousness. His parents and two sisters travelled from Hampshire to be at his bedside. His mother, Christine, had flown home from holiday in Thailand.

His girlfriend has been sedated in hospital after being severely traumatised. Mr Robinson, a partner in the Winkworth estate agency in South Kensington, was described by a neighbour as a "lovely, friendly man". He was parking his car after picking up Ms Joyce from the West End when two men approached and asked for directions.

Within seconds of getting out of the car he was stabbed several times in front of Ms Joyce, a student teacher.

Scotland Yard described the attack as "vicious" and "totally unprovoked" and appealed for witnesses who might have seen the two men run off towards the Doddington Estate to come forward.

A police spokesman added: "There is no indication that the victim disturbed a crime but we are keeping an open mind."

Neighbours said crime in the area has increased recently with a spate of knifepoint muggings. Police put up a sign a couple of months ago warning residents to be vigilant. Detectives are also examining a possible link between the stabbing and a violent carjacking a few hours earlier. The murder inquiry is being carried out by the Met's Serious Crime Group and an incident room has been set up at Earlsfield police station.

Detective Inspector Robin Cross said: "Officers have collected a significant number of statements from witnesses to this incident. However, if anyone who was in the area or has information, it is vital that they contact police as soon as possible. CCTV footage from the area is being examined."

The suspects are described as black, one tall and one short, aged between 18 and 20. Anyone with any information should phone the Serious Crime Group on 020 8247 8261 or, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

? District judge Roger Davies today referred to the murder of Mr Robinson as he warned that stiffer jail sentences should be passed to protect Londoners from rising street crime. He said: "If the courts don't take a stand, what is going to happen?" He was speaking at Horseferry Road court as he jailed Pedro Rodrigues, 27, of Paddington, for six weeks for assaulting a couple in a row at a cash machine.