The family of a nightclub DJ who was stabbed to death outside a Subway store have told of their devastation as police continue to hold a 16-year-old boy for murder.

Tom Roberts, 21, was walking through the centre of Bournemouth during the early hours of Saturday morning when he is believed to have got into an argument with his attacker.

He was stabbed in the chest and rushed to hospital where he died a short time later.

Dorset Police arrested a teenage boy on suspicion of Mr Roberts' murder on Sunday. He remains in police custody and is being quizzed by detectives.

Read more: Boy, 16, arrested on suspicion of murder after fatal stabbing of 21-year-old man

The heartbroken family of Mr Roberts said they could not comprehend what had happened to him.

He was a drum and bass DJ known as 'Nomad' and had previously worked at local nightclubs in Bournemouth but had dreams of becoming a Royal Marine in the future.

Bournemouth Echo:

His sister, Patti Roberts, paid tribute to her younger brother.

She said: "He was such a strong, kind and funny person. I didn't see him as a man because to me he was still that cheeky, mischievous brother that brought so much life into the room.

"We can't begin to comprehend what has happened to him.

"His future was going to be bright. He wanted to be a marine. He was in a beautiful relationship with his girlfriend and they were supposed to be going on holiday this week.

"He had so many people in his life that loved him. And now he's gone. "

Miss Roberts said he had been 'so excited' at the prospect of attending her wedding in June which was going to be a 'huge family reunion' following two years of the coronavirus pandemic.

She appealed for any witnesses or anyone who has dashcam footage around the time and location of the fatal stabbing to come forward.

She added: "Anyone that carries a knife should be made aware of the devastating consequences. So please, if anyone has any information about the incident, come forward."

Read more: LIVE: updates as murder investigation continues 

Mr Roberts' devastated mother, Dolores Wallace, posted on Facebook on Sunday: "My heart is breaking after losing my son Tommy yesterday to a senseless act of murder.

"It's been just over 24 hours of him being gone and it still doesn't seem real.

"He was only 21 years old. He wanted to be a marine. We miss him so deeply and he deserves justice."

Bournemouth Echo:

Police sealed off an area outside the Subway store and Walkabout pub on Old Christchurch Road in Bournemouth after the stabbing that happened at 4.44am on Saturday.

Read more: 'A young life snuffed out and a family changed forever'

A park directly opposite the scene was also cordoned off by police while forensic officers carried out searches.

As well as making an arrest, a second man who was later identified as a potential witness through CCTV has been helping police with their enquiries after coming forward.

Bournemouth Echo:

Detective Inspector Simon Huxter, of Dorset police's Major Crime Investigation Team, said: "A full and detailed investigation is underway into this incident and our thoughts are with the victim’s family at this very difficult time.

"I would urge anyone who saw what happened and has not yet spoken to officers to please contact Dorset Police immediately.

"I am also keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed what happened, or captured anything of relevance on home CCTV or dashcam, to please come forward.

Read more: Floral tributes left near scene of fatal Bournemouth town centre stabbing

"As we undertake our early investigations, a cordon remains in place to allow officers and crime scene investigators to carry out their examinations. I would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while this vital work takes place.

"Members of the public will see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days and officers from the local neighbourhood policing team can be approached with any concerns."