A teenager was stabbed to death during an incident at a party on Friday night. The party in Broad Oak Way, Stevenage, ended with the 17-year-old collapsing from a stab wound to the chest. The youth who later died in Lister Hospital was David Paine, of Lea

A teenager was stabbed to death during an incident at a party on Friday night.

The party in Broad Oak Way, Stevenage, ended with the 17-year-old collapsing from a stab wound to the chest.

The youth who later died in Lister Hospital was David Paine, of Leaves Spring, Stevenage. A former pupil at Barnwell School, David was a cycle mechanic who was well-known in the town for his off road biking.

He had three brothers and a sister and lived with his mother and step-father.

A statement from David's family said: "David was a charmer. He was very social, had lots of friends and was a kind and thoughtful man. He was full of wit and telling jokes.

"He lived for bikes and worked full time at Marshall's bike shop in Roebuck. He worked six days a week and on Sundays we wouldn't see him because he'd be off with his friends on his bike.

"He liked freestyle mountain biking and last autumn played a part in organising a bike track and jumps in the local woods with the local MP.

"David was a son to be proud of who wished to join the Army and was filling in his entry form but never got the chance to send it off.

"One of the many cards we have received said David was an angel sent down to touch so many people's hearts and now he has fulfilled his job it's time for him to go again, and so he has.

"He was our little angel with a dirty face and we would like to thank all of David's friends for their cards and flowers and their support, love and care at this sad time. David will be sorely missed."

Outside Marshall's Cycles where David worked for the past year a large display of flowers from friends covered the pavement with messages of sympathy.

A pink teddy bear was put there by a close friend who later talked about her sadness.

"Nobody deserves to die like David did," said the teenage girl.

David's boss at Marshall's Cycles John Kinnear was still shocked 48 hours after being told of his close friend's murder.

"We have all been devastated by David's murder," said Mr Kinnear.

"He used to come in the shop a lot and a year ago I gave him a job. He loved bikes, spent £2,500 on one of his own, and was a great mechanic and rider.

"He loved nothing more than getting out on tough terrain riding his bike. He would spend weekends away riding on some tough courses and was admired for his riding ability. I rode with him on many occasions.

"He had so many friends who are all shocked by the news of his tragic death."

Outside the shop four young men all from Stevenage who knew David well and also rode with him talked about their loss after leaving flowers in his memory on the pavement.

"David was a good guy. I met him at the shop and helped him. It is all very upsetting," said Liam Barrett.

Darren Thompson said: "Everyone liked him. He'll be missed. I'm too upset to say anything else."

"It is a weird world. I knew him well and can't believe he has gone. He'll be sadly missed by a lot of people," said Stephen Outram.

Liam Mann said: "He was just a nice guy who loved life, his bike and friends. His life was ended so young."

* A 17-year-old Stevenage youth appeared at Hertford Magistrates' Court on Monday charged with the murder of David Paine. He was remanded in custody until February 7 when he will appear before Stevenage magistrates.