Lymington stabbing: Victim Max Maguire was 'best brother ever', says heartbroken sister

THE heartbroken sister of a young father who died after a triple stabbing outside the Royal British Legion in Lymington has paid an emotional tribute, saying he was the most “amazing brother anyone could wish for”.

Max Maguire (23) collapsed and died on Friday evening after being stabbed in an alleyway outside the club off High Street, police confirmed on Saturday.

People battled to save him but it was too late. Two friends with him, Georgina Wort and Luke Gray, both 23, were also attacked.

Blaise said: “Max was the kindest, funniest, amazing brother, son and father anyone could wish for.

“Life will never be the same without our beautiful Max.”

Posting later on social media Blaise added: “My beautiful, hilarious, kind-hearted brother has been stolen from me. Life will never be the same.

"I will miss you every day and love you forever.”

Max was a fisherman and had a three-year-old daughter, Delilah Daisy.

He was reportedly attacked along with Georgina and Luke after an altercation in the RBL.

A witness said a group of people had been asked to leave the club after a “verbal dispute”. Soon after, another person saw what appeared to be a fight in the alleyway outside.

A witness who saw him said: “People tried to help him and then the two other people were found covered in blood."

Members of the public tried to administer first aid but Max died.

Luke is said to be critically ill in Southampton General Hospital. Georgina was treated for slash wounds to her chest at hospital but was later released.

She later posted on social media: "Unfortunately, life is so, so cruel. One of my lifelong best friends won’t be coming home to his family while another is still having care in hospital.

"I was very lucky my injuries weren’t worse. I’m home and I’m so so grateful I can be here."

Georgina took to Facebook to pay tribute to Max, saying: “We lost Max after a devastating evening but I'd like to update everyone. Luke is still fighting, and his family would like to thank you all for the lovely messages but please give her space while she needs it most."

Armed police had raced to the scene of the attack just before midnight while around a dozen police cars, a police helicopter and ambulances were scrambled.

A forensic tent was erected until around 8.30am on Saturday when shocked stallholders and visitors at the weekly market saw a private ambulance arrive.

One said: “It was very sad. Some people were crying, and lots bowed their heads. Something like this is totally unheard of in Lymington.”

Four people from Lymington – three men and a 14-year-old boy – have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in police custody.

DCI Dave Storey, leading the investigation, said: “This is a serious incident, and our thoughts remain with the family of the young man who was killed.

“We believe this incident occurred following a verbal dispute at the Royal British Legion, and we have arrested four people as part of our enquiries.”