FORMER school pals of murdered student Matt Pyke today told of their shock at his brutal killing.

FORMER school pals of murdered student Matt Pyke today told of their shock at his brutal killing.

The 20-year-old was stabbed to death in his own flat above a popular Nottingham bar last week.

The ex-Stowmarket High student had lived in the city for two years with girlfriend Joanna Witton and had been due to start a degree course at the city's Trent University next month.

Former school friend Jamie Scott, from Ipswich, paid tribute to Mr Pyke, describing him as “witty and highly intelligent”.

“I'm sure I speak for all of us who studied with Matthew at Stowmarket High School when I express the utmost grief and disgust upon hearing of his murder,” he said.

“Matthew was a highly intelligent, witty and respected student, with an incredibly bright and promising future ahead.

“It is difficult to comprehend the abhorrent and meaningless killing of such a gifted young man, and for a tragedy like this to occur shocks and sickens us all.

“I offer my deepest condolences to his family and friends in this time of great distress, and can only hope that those responsible are brought to swift justice.”

Another friend, Andy Clarke, left a message on a website which read: “I don't know what school would've been like without you. You were one of the most individual, genuine, good people I have ever met.”

The body of Mr Pyke, whose parents live in Chelsworth Way, Stowmarket, was discovered on Friday evening in his flat in North Sherwood Street above the Orange Tree pub.

The detective leading the investigation believes Mr Pyke may have known his killer.

Det Ch Insp Tony Heydon said: “One line of enquiry is that this was not a random attack, and that Matthew may have known the person who attacked him.

“The post mortem results suggest that Matthew was attacked with a bladed weapon, probably a knife. So far, this weapon has not been recovered, and we want to hear from anyone who has seen or found a bladed weapon.

“The weapon is likely to be heavily blood-stained, and detectives believe whoever killed Matthew would also have been heavily blood-stained when they left the property.”

Anyone with information about Matthew's murder is asked to contact the incident room at West Bridgford Police Station on 0115 8446912. Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Did you know Matthew Pyke? Would you like to pay tribute to him? Contact The Evening Star newsdesk on 01473 324840 or e-mail starnews@eveningstar.co.uk