THE grieving family of a 22-year-old mechanic stabbed to death on Christmas Eve have paid a moving tribute to him after the man charged with his murder appeared in court.

THE grieving family of a 22-year-old mechanic stabbed to death on Christmas Eve have paid a moving tribute to him after the man charged with his murder appeared in court.

Prince Kofi Koomson, of St John's Place, Bury St Edmunds, was described as a “lovely son” and “talented child” after he was killed just three months after moving to Suffolk.

His close family issued the poignant statement after watching Kwabena Asumadu make his first appearance in court.

They had travelled to court from their home in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire.

The statement said: “Prince was a talented child who became a mechanic.

“He was a lovely son and quite a shy person. He was loved by a lot of people and he will be deeply missed by family and friends.

“His death is a big blow to us all. May his soul rest in peace.”

Ghanaian-born, Mr Kofi Koomson, who was affectionately known as Francis, was stabbed seven times in the chest in the early hours of Sunday morning at a property in St John's Place, Bury.

Sarah Jane Atkins, prosecuting at Sudbury Magistrates' Court yesterday , described his death as a “tragic loss of life”.

She revealed to the court there were other people in the vicinity of the address at the time of the alleged offence, but offered no further details about the incident.

Asumadu, 28, who also lived in St John's Place, yesterday appeared in court, speaking only to answer his name, date of birth and address.

In front of a packed public gallery, flanked by police officers, magistrates heard that Asumadu made no application for bail and formally sent the case to Ipswich Crown Court on January 4.

Meanwhile, a 22-year-old man, also arrested in connection with the incident, is due to report back to Bury St Edmunds police station today after he was released on police bail.