THE family of a 21-year-old man fatally shot on a caravan site five days after the birth of his first child have paid tribute to him.

The Comet: Thomas Ward with his daughter Lilly, who his family said he doted onThomas Ward with his daughter Lilly, who his family said he doted on (Image: Archant)

Thomas Ward died at Lister Hospital after being shot in the chest at a caravan site in Dyes Lane, Stevenage, on April 23.

Thomas had a 17-year-old wife Theresa and had just become a father to daughter Lilly, who his family said he adored.

He also leaves behind a mother and father, two brothers and three sisters.

A family statement said: “He had it all; a beautiful wife and a gorgeous baby. The pictures show just how much he loved her. Our lives will never be the same again.

“Thomas was very much a family man. He loved everyone and everyone loved him. People from across the country young and old thought the world of him, no-one had a bad word to say about him.

“Thomas was good looking, he was flawless and people were very envious of him. He had everything to live for. His gorgeous daughter who he doted on for those precious five days will only have photos of him to look at, it is so cruel.”

Thomas, who mainly grew up in Germany and could speak Spanish and German, was a born again Christian.

He enjoyed fitness training, boxing and football, supporting Chelsea.

He also had a love for Reggae music and Caribbean food.

Police are carrying out a murder investigation into Thomas’ death and his family have pleaded for anyone with information to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.

His family said: “As a family we would urge anyone with any information about who is responsible for the senseless murder of Thomas to contact police or Crimestoppers anonymously. He was an innocent man and those responsible must be brought to justice, please call if you know anything.”

Three days after Thomas’ death relative Lulu Ward died following a collision with a car on the A1(M) near to the caravan site in Dyes Lane.

The 25-year-old mother-of-three was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which occurred on the southbound carriageway between junction 8 and 7 for Stevenage shortly after midnight on April 26.