I would like to add my own tribute to a “brave” builder who was stabbed to death after chasing bag-snatchers in east London. He was a credit to our country and our society. I hope that given the same circumstances I would be as brave as this man.

Sukhwinder Singh, 31, was attacked on Friday as he pursued two men who had mugged a 28-year-old woman in Barking.

Mr Singh died at the Royal London Hospital. A post mortem test showed he died from a stab wound to the heart.

Barking councillor Nirmal Singh Gill said: “He would help anybody so it doesn’t surprise me he was trying to help a lady.”

He continued: “He didn’t deserve this – but he was a special young man.

“It’s a very big loss to everyone both here and in India.”

Police said father-of-one Mr Singh was an Indian national who had lived in the UK for about 10 years.