Friends and family members of tragically murdered Daniel Young have paid tribute to the university lecturer, who was killed on his way to the second day at his "dream job". 

Police believe Mr Young, 30, was stabbed to death in an unprovoked attack while taking a popular shortcut through Kendor Gardens, in Kenley Road, Morden, at around 8am on Tuesday, January 19.

Morden murder of Daniel Young “has all the hallmarks of an unprovoked and unsuspected attack” - police

He was on his way to work as a teaching fellow at Coventry University London Campus, near Liverpool Street, where he had begun working just the day before.

Posting on Facebook, Mr Young's younger brother Simon wrote: "My brother. My friend. I'm still wrapping my head round this, still hoping / wishing it's a sick joke.

"I can't possibly write everything I want to right now. It's all too surreal.

Wimbledon Times:

Simon Young (left) with his brother Dan

"Just so proud of everything you achieved in your life, places you travelled, friends you made. You are an inspirational big bro. 

"My head hurts, but I'll be strong. Just like you would. I know wherever you are, you'll be bossing it because you're so annoyingly amazing at anything you do! 

"You'll be in my thoughts every day, always and forever."

Members of the public attempted to save Mr Young's life by performing CPR in the park, but he was pronounced dead by a paramedic from the London Air Ambulance after attempts to resuscitate him failed. 

Wimbledon Times:

Paramedics and members of the public tried desperately to save Mr Young

A 26-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of wasting police time and then arrested on suspicion of murder has been bailed to return to a police station in early March. 

Police request more time to question Morden Kendor Gardens murder suspect as link to Mitcham Lewis Road stabbing is investigated

Police had requested extra time to question the man, and are investigating whether the murder is linked to a stabbing in Lewis Road, Mitcham, which happened at the same time. 

Mr Young lived near the park in Morden, but was originally from Paignton in Devon. 

VIDEO Update: Residents shocked as 23 year-old stabbed in the buttocks in Mitcham recovering in hospital

He previously worked as a General Manager at the Antoinette Hotel in Wimbledon Broadway, where several of his former colleagues have spoken warmly of his "uplifting and positive" management.

Simon Connelly, from Mitcham, is Bar and Restaurant Manager at the Antoinette Hotel, and paid tribute to "the best manager I have ever worked under".

He said: "He was one of the best people I have ever met. I didn't know him for very long but he very quickly became one of my best friends.

"He always had time for everyone. He was just a very generous, loving, gentle man. He will be sorely missed.

"When I found out he died, it just hit me like a tonne of bricks. I'm still in shock to be honest. It's so tragic.

Updated: Morden murder victim of "unprovoked attack" named as 30-year-old university lecturer Dan Young

"He was always looking for the next challenge, physically, mentally, professionally. He was a very driven man, but in the sense that he wanted everyone else to be successful and happy with him. 

"He instilled in all of us a real sense of self worth. He was a fantastic man."

Mr Young, who was a sport and fitness enthusiast, played for the First XV team at the Old Rutlishians Rugby Club, based in Merton Park.

His former Head Coach, Gary Douch, said: "Dan played under me and was very well liked by everyone at the club. 

Wimbledon Times:

Mr Young took part in several Tough Mudder competitions

"This news came as a real shock to a number of the lads at Ruts. He was such a nice lad, and we send our heartfelt condolences to his friends and family at this tragic time."

Benjamin Martin, of Grasmere Avenue, Morden, shared an office with Mr Young at the Antoinette Hotel.  

He said: "I have never worked with a manager who was so uplifting and positive. 

"He always made time for everyone no matter what. He always knew what help to give." 

Mr Martin said he became concerned about Mr Young's welfare after not receiving a text back from him on Tuesday morning, and after Kendor Gardens were taped off he said he started to "put two and two together."

Mr Martin added: "He was incredibly lively. He was very healthy, all about fitness. 

"He was the rock of the hotel. He kept everything going. He will incredibly missed by everyone there."

Alice Murray, who worked for Mr Young for two months, described him as "professional, reliable and totally true to himself."

Updated with pictures: Morden murder probe: Arrest made after fatal stabbing

She said: "His staff adored him. He worked tirelessly for months towards landing his "dream job" as a lecturer and onwards to get his PhD - which no doubt he would have achieved with flying colours. 

"The word tragedy doesn't cover what a life was taken away, and my heart goes out to his family and those closest to him.

"I will never forget Dan. He was an inspiration, and I will be running the Wimbledon half marathon in his memory."

Former Operations at the Antoinette Hotel, Lee-Antony Harris, said it had been a "such a privilege" to know Mr Young. 

He said: "Dan was a well respected guy, who never had a bad person to say about anyone. 

"He helped develop a lot of people and was a great mentor, and brought out the best in people even if they had no confidence because he belived in people and would never give up faith. 

Wimbledon Times:

Mr Harris left a touching message for Mr Young on the gates of Kendor Gardens

"He was always at the end of the phone if you needed advice and was always willing to support you if needed. 

"We are all just devastated that we have been robbed of such an amazing friend."

In a post on Mr Young's Facebook page, Mr Harris said his friends had convinced him not to pull out of his trip to Australia this weekend, but said he would leave a memory of his friend there.

According to his LinkedIn profile, Mr Young previously studied a masters in International Hospitality Management at the University of Brighton, and also taught part time at ANGELL Academy Freiburg, based in Breisgau in southwest Germany, which offers business based Masters courses in tourism.

He attended Churston Ferrers Grammar School in Brixham, Devon.

Dr Janet Hannah, chief executive officer of Coventry University London Campus, said: “We are saddened to hear the news about Daniel Young who had just started a role as a teaching fellow at our London Campus.

"Daniel was at the start of what would undoubtedly have been a very successful academic career. It is a tragedy that he never got the opportunity to fulfil his potential.

Wimbledon Times:

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Detective Chief Inspector Cliff Lyons, who is leading the investigation, said the murder appeared to be an "unprovoked attack on a man that was simply going about his daily business."

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A post-mortem examination is due to be carried out today at St George's Hospital.

Police would like anyone who was in or around Kendor Gardens between 7.50am and 8.15am who has any information about the attack or the suspect to contact the incident room on 0208 721 4961 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.