TRIBUTES have been paid to the ‘charismatic and selfless’ 19-year-old who was killed in Thame.

Joshua Harling, from Oxford, was found with fatal injuries on Chinnor Road last Wednesday.

Firefighters from Thame Fire Station had said they had attended a car crash on Chinnor Road that night and eyewitnesses said they saw a car on its roof.

A post-mortem examination has since revealed that he died of a single stab wound.

Now his loved ones have paid tribute to the ‘irreplaceable son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, friend and well-loved colleague’.

They said he is ‘unforgettable’, adding: “We do not know how to sum up in just a few sentences how much he meant to so many people. He touched so many lives. He felt it was his duty to protect, he had courage and bravery, and was full of kindness, love and energy. He was a compassionate soul with a fierce and generous love and loyalty to his family and his friends.

“He had the ability to light up any room he walked into with just one cheeky smile.  He was charismatic, selfless and had a contagious laugh along with his jokes.  He made sure everyone around him was happy.  A lovable lad that wore his heart on his sleeve. He had the world at his feet, with his every growing ambition to succeed in every aspect of his life. Striving to be the best he could be in his profession in the finance industry.

“His job, his music, family and friends were his life. He was admirable with an angelic heart, always giving and never wanting in return. No matter what, Josh was devoted to helping others and making sure those around him were happy, safe and secure.

“We will all carry that spirt on with us for eternity. His pure soul and personality shines so brightly it could never be dimmed.

“We can find comfort in the fact he loved deeply and was so so loved in return. With such passion and positivity, he will always continue to inspire those who were lucky enough to be touched by his life.

“Our protector, our rock, our shining star.”

Fundraisers and petitions set up in his memory raised more than £2,500 in the first 24-hours since launching.

The idea was to help the family, who have asked not to be contacted, through the ‘hard times’.

See the petitions and fundraisers set up in his name here.

Yesterday, a man charged with his murder was given a date for his trial at Oxford Crown Court.  

Nathan Braim, 19, of Broadwaters Avenue, Thame, was charged on Sunday with killing Mr Harling.

Read the story in full here. 

A 15-year-old boy and two 19-year-old men who were questioned for the murder have been released on bail.