Sadness of carjack victim's father

The father of carjacking victim Tim Robinson spoke today of his family's grief at the murder of his "wonderful son".

Kenneth Robinson wept as he told how he was struggling to come to terms with the death of his 25-year-old son three days after he was stabbed repeatedly outside his Battersea flat by muggers intent on stealing his high-performance car.

Mr Robinson, 57, said: "It is almost not possible to talk when we are grieving like this. All I can say is that he was absolutely wonderful."

His words came as Scotland Yard Commissioner Michael Todd issued a warning to all drivers to take extra care as the menace of carjacking grows: in London alone, there have been 100 cases in the past year.

"My advice to motorists is to lock your car when driving," Mr Todd said. "Be careful when locking and unlocking doors. Be aware of suspicious-looking people when you are stuck in traffic or arriving home."

Earlier, the Robinson family had issued a statement from the family home in the Hampshire village of Exbury. It read: "Tim was a wonderful person, much loved by his family, his partner Jemma and her family and all his many friends. We are devastated by his death. The messages of sympathy and support we have received from so many people are deeply appreciated."

Mr Robinson's mother Christine, who flew back to Britain from a holiday in Thailand, wrote on a bouquet: "Tim, you will not be forgotten. My number one son, Mummy."

His best friend, James Moran, 28, at whose wedding last year Mr Robinson was best man, said: "He had a huge heart and would do anything for anyone."

Mr Robinson's 26-year-old sister Alexandra travelled from Brussels where she lives with her husband. His other sister Helen, 29, from London, was also believed to have been by his bedside when he died.

Mr Robinson, a partner in the Winkworth estate agency in South Kensington, was attacked last weekend as he returned to his first-floor flat in Warriner Gardens, Battersea.

He had just picked up his partner Jemma Joyce from the West End in his £20,000 Audi Quattro and was parking it when he was attacked.

He was taken to St Thomas' Hospital, where his family maintained a bedside vigil but he never regained consciousness. Police have not yet been able to interview Ms Joyce, 26, who saw the attack and was found screaming hysterically over Mr Robinson's body. She remains "traumatised" and under sedation.

A forensic search of the crime scene has been completed and two cars have been taken away for further tests.

While a steady stream of wellwishers placed flowers at the spot where Mr Robinson was attacked, his childhood friends and acquaintances in Beaulieu, where he grew up, paid tribute to him.

Typical in his affection for Mr Robinson, who had been expected in the Chequers pub in nearby Lymington to watch this weekend's rugby, was bar manager Daniel Wells.

He said: "It's just terrible, we can't believe what has happened here. He was going to come down for the big rugby match this weekend. He was a great person. He was very friendly and he loved his sports."

Police are appealing for witnesses, including a boy, believed to be around 13, who was seen on a bicycle near the attack as it took place. The attackers were described as two black men dressed in casual clothes with short hair.

Anyone with information is asked to phone the Serious Crime Group on 020 8247 8261 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Comment: Battersea has been betrayed