Philip Sherriff: family issues statement on "devastating" murder

37-year-old Philip Sherriff died in hospital on Easter Sunday after spending four days in hospital receiving treatment for injuries sustained at a party hosted by his employers Research in Motion (best known for BlackBerry smartphones).

A post-mortem at Greenwich Mortuary on Easter Monday gave cause of death as a stab wound to the neck.

"Phil was the most genuine, likeable and generous man you could ever hope to meet," said his family in a statement issued on Monday.

"He was a perfect husband, son and father to our daughter aged 8 and son aged 5. His death is completely and utterly devastating."

Singer Jessie J, who headlined the party, said on Twitter on Sunday: "I am lost for words. All I can say is my thoughts, love and respects are with the family and children of the man who attended the BlackBerry gig last week who sadly lost his life this morning."

25-year-old Ashley Charles from Leicester appeared at Camberwell Green Magistrates' Court on Saturday charged with attempted murder.

Charles was remanded in custody to appear at Inner London Crown Court on Friday 20 April.