Statements issued on behalf of the family of David Haynes described him as a "caring and loving young man".

His girlfriend Prema Singh said she loved David unconditionally, and would continue to do so.

She said: "I have and always will have an unconditional love for David. We did almost everything together and now all that has been taken away from me.

"I would do anything to get him back. He was such a loving, caring and gentle boy who would never think of hurting or harming any living thing.

"David got me through a lot of problems that I experienced. He stood by me and helped me every step of the way. He was always there for me, no matter what happened or what else was going on."

Speaking about the night David died, she said: "David didn't really want to go out, but as the phone calls came through, people asked to show his face for his 21st Birthday, and David could not say no. He asked me to run a bath for him and at 12.45am he left home.

"His intention was to go out for a couple of hours and in less than three hours he would have been home. Instead David was taken away from me forever. How am I supposed to cope with that?"

David's aunt and guardian Esme Taylor said: "We have lost a caring and loving young man and the whole family is devastated by the loss.

"He had a generosity of spirit, a big smile and a good heart. He never judged people and typically he was trying to help someone less fortunate than him shortly before he died.

"He was born and brought up in Wellingborough and was very close to his family and friends.

"He will be missed terribly, especially by me, his granny, his brothers Mark and Richard, his girlfriend Prema and her sister Kamelia, his cousin Ashley and his best friends Darius, Tony and Karl. During their lives, Darius was the driver, David was the navigator.

"David's brother Richard has special needs and David was always there for him, buying him clothes, CDs and wrestling DVDs. He will miss him.

"I would also like to give mention to David's friend Simon and all of David's friends that will miss him.

"This is a very difficult time for all the family but I would like to thank everyone who has offered their support and left flowers.

"If anyone still wants to leave flowers at the scene that is fine. They will all be collected in time and kept safe at the family home in Gordon Road."

David's brother Mark Taylor said: "As David's older brother we grew up together and were close. We would play, laugh and play out with each other.

"When our mum passed, I felt like I had nothing but I still had David and my older brother Richard. Now David is gone.

"David will always be missed but never forgotten."

Anyone with any information about David's death should contact Northamptonshire Police on 08453 700700 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Friends and family have continued to pay tributes to David.
To leave a message in memory of David register on our site and post your comments below. Alternatively, email our Assistant Editor, Nick Tite, by clicking here.

This message was left by Cabbar Cuma:

Just wanted to share my thoughts about David. He was such a nice man that I used to see him coming to my shop every single day. He never caused any problem to anybody, he was one of the most respectable men around. I was always happy to see him. But the news shocked me as it got me thinking what is the reason to end a life or can there be any? MAY HE REST IN PEACE...

This message was left by Sandra M Frederick:

Another life stolen
families & friends left heartbroken
a life barely begun
taken away at 21....

You're gone but never forgotton

Sandra & Kids xx

This message was left by Talisha Hilaire:

David was a really good friend,he did all he could to help others and never expected nuffin back.he looked after me well and was respected for that.
thoughts and love will always be with you and your family.
sweet dreamz and rest in peace.
talisha xx

This message was left by Julie Strudwick:

Why is it only the good die young!!!

What a waste of a young life who had his whole life ahead of him. My thoughts are with his family and all the many lives that this polite aspiring young man touched. Gone but neva forgotten...

This message was left by a family from Wellingborough:

Although we didn't know David personally we would like to offer our condolances to his family on the loss of such a brave and lovely young man. He was a credit to the parents who have brought him up so well, to have the compassion to care for other people as well as he obviously did.

This message was left by Pankaj R:

We are so so sorry at the tragic & needless loss of such a young life.

We cannot even begin to imagine the sadness yound David's family & friends will be feeling. God Bless.

This message was left by David's cousin Nell:

I am David's cousin and I live in New York. Wellingborough was my home for 38 years.

David is the same age as my son James. They went to the same school. I I always remember his sweet smiling face whenever he came around to my mum's house (Auntie Sybil) to play with James and Daniel.

I am heartbroken that such a great kid, who grew up to be such a fine young man has been taken in such a way. Its just not right. May justice be done .

To my family in England my thoughts are with you all. This has devastated us all. Family ties are never broken no matter where you are in this world. David you will be forever in my thoughts.

Other messages were left on a MySpace page set up in memory of David. The main tribute says:

This page has been put together, not to mourn over his death but to celebrate his life because even though he won't be here with us any more to share the good times with people around him, he will always be with us in heart, mind and spirit and memories of him will live on for years to come.