Family pay tribute to 'kind and loving' man who was stabbed in Southampton

The family of a man from Southampton who died after being stabbed, have paid tribute to him.

Police were called to a property in Warburton Road, Thornhill, at 1.08am on Saturday morning.

Officers found Mark Noke, 64, with a single stab wound to his chest. He died at the scene.

Police have been granted more time to question three men, who were arrested on suspicion of murder.

At Southampton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (1 March), magistrates gave a 36-hour extension for officers to keep the three men, aged 20, 23 and 31, in custody.

In a statement, Mr Noke's family paid tribute to him and said: "Mark was a kind and loving member of our family who also touched the lives of so many others with his warmth, kindness, and generosity. He was a devoted, loving father who was committed to caring for his son.

"Mark’s passing has left a void that will be deeply felt, not just by his family but by all who knew him.

"Mark had a gift for making people feel seen and heard. He had a ready smile, a listening ear, and a compassionate heart that drew people to him.

"Wherever Mark was, whatever he was doing, he would always find time to help others and would be the first to offer encouragement and enthusiastic support without expecting anything in return.

"We are devastated by this senseless, cowardly and murderous act.

"Our love for you is eternal, unfaltering, yet we could not protect you from evil.

"Our hearts shattered, our sorrow profound."

DCI Dal Andrews, who is leading the investigation, said: "Our officers and staff are following up several lines of enquiry as we continue to establish the circumstances of what happened to Mark.

"I would like to thank the public for their support so far and the information they have supplied to us and urge anyone else with relevant information to get in touch.

"If you saw anything suspicious between 9pm on Friday, 24 February and 2am on Saturday, or have any dash cam, CCTV, ring doorbell or mobile footage that could help us, we want to hear from you.

"Even the smallest piece of information could make all the difference."