Tributes have flooded a Facebook group set up in memory of a New Addington dad killed on his doorstep.

David Petch was assaulted outside his home in Wayside, at about 11.50pm on April 14.

Police were called to the 55-year-old's home above a parade of shops and he was taken to hospital, where he died of his injuries four days later.

Messages from friends of the popular father-of-nine have flooded a group set up in his memory on the social networking site.

Nearly 150 people have joined the group titled RIP Dave Petch, with his friends encouraged to leave messages to "a very special man."

Kirsten-Emma Van Rie wrote: "Still can't believe you are gone. I miss you so much I just want to knock on your door and see you again" and Claire Hollingdale wrote: "RIP Dave, a true gentleman, will never forget that big smile, sleep tight."

Kelly Sage added: "RIP Dave always the good, thoughts with his family at this very sad time."

Former colleagues of Mr Petch, who used to work as a fitter at Deans Blinds and Awnings in Earlsfield, contacted the Croydon Guardian to pay tribute to a "legend."

Lee Richardson said his former workmate "had a heart of gold".

He said: "He was one of those people who lit up a room whenever he entered. He often had us in stitches at work with his many practical jokes or winds ups.

"He always put a smile on your face. He will be missed greatly and it is a very tragic thing to happen to someone who had a heart of gold."

Another colleague Tim, said: "I remember Dave or Petchy, he is known with affection. We used to have a right laugh every morning.

"I only wish I'd made more effort to contact Dave as it had been a while. I know he will be missed by a lot of his friends and family, so rest in peace Dave."

Friend Andy Matthews, added: "Many a morning at work he would leave us in tears of laughter, very seldom did you ever see him unhappy.

"Almost always he had a smile on his face and a joke ready to tell, or was on one of his wind ups. He was a decent bloke, it's a sad loss and Dave will be missed by many."

Couple Jason Lodge, 38, and Cherry Gilmartin, 36, both of Uvedale Crescent, New Addington, have been charged with Mr Petch's murder.

The pair appeared at Bromley Magistrates Court on April 19, and were remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on July 25.