'I watched him grow up'

Today a close friend of the Robinson family paid tribute to the estate agent as "the most loving son any parent could wish for".

Fighting back tears, Jean Edmondson, 58, a hotel proprietor, said: "The only way I can characterise Tim is by his lovely smile and gentle manner.

"He was the most loving son any parent could wish for and a beautiful brother to his sisters. He was so full of life.

"I will never forget each time he saw me he would wrap his arms around me and say: 'Hello princess'.

"He was the kind of person you would meet and never forget."

Mrs Edmondson, who met the family when she moved to the Hampshire village of Beaulieu 23 years ago said: "This is a terrible tragedy for the village.

"The biggest shame of all is that Tim was such a lovely person and now he will no longer be with us.

"They have robbed all he knew him of a wonderful, wonderful person.

"I watched Tim grow up from a little boy to a lovely young man. There is no better way to describe him. Our hearts go out to his family and girlfriend Jemma."

Any one with information is asked to contact the Serious Crime Group on 020 8247 8261 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.