Friends and family have paid tribute to a man who died after being stabbed on Christmas Day.

Joe Lewis, 24, from Rustington, near Littlehampton, was stabbed in the early hours of Christmas morning at a flat in Warwick Mount, Montague Street, Brighton.

He died at the scene at about 1am.

Mr Lewis’ sister Naomi, 20, from Brighton, told The Argus the family was “heartbroken that he was taken from us so early in such a cruel way”.

She said: “Joe was a loving and caring brother, uncle, grandson and son.

“He was always happy and always put smiles on everyone's faces.

“He cared and looked after everyone.

“We will all miss him deeply and are heartbroken that he was taken from us so early and in such a cruel way.”

Mr Lewis’ other sister, Natalie, also paid tribute to him on Facebook.

After posting a picture of herself with her brother and other siblings, she wrote: “RIP to my little brother who was taken from us today.

“You will be very missed, we all love u very much Joe and I can’t believe this has happened. You will never be forgotten. I love you.”

Later she wrote: “I can’t believe this has happened. You were a good person and we will all never be complete with you.”

Friends also left messages. Kris Kirtley wrote: “RIP mate. Wish I had been in Brighton then maybe u wouldn’t have been there.”

Another wrote: “Rest in peace Joe. Such a stupid messed up crazy world we live in.”

A post-mortem examination carried out over the weekend revealed Mr Lewis died from a stab wound to the heart. Police are still awaiting toxicology results.

Mr Lewis was killed at a council-owned block of flats.

Bill Randall, chairman of the housing committee at Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “The police are investigating and the council is supporting Warwick Mount residents, including the tenants association, who are deeply concerned about this tragic incident.”

  • Police have arrested and charged Oliver John Parsons, 30, of no fixed address, with Joe’s death. Mr Parsons appeared at Brighton Magistrates court on Saturday morning.

He was remanded in custody and will appear before Guildford Crown Court via video link from Lewes Prison today.