A vigil was held in Salisbury city centre yesterday evening for the young man who died after being assaulted at the weekend.

Freddie Jones-Fontete died in hospital on Wednesday (February 23).

He suffered a serious head injury in an attack in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Last night at around 6pm, friends of Freddie held a vigil in New Canal.

A dozen or so people silently laid flowers, lit candles and paid their respects to the 23-year-old.

Some were schoolfriends of Freddie, some played football with him, some had rushed to help him on the night, and others didn't know him but had heard of him.

Flowers and tributes, including an Arsenal flag, have been laid on the bench outside Sarum Jewellers.

Tributes have also flooded in on social media to honour the man "taken far too soon".

If you would like to leave a tribute for Freddie, share memories or pictures, or leave a message of condolence, you can do so by clicking here.

'He brightened everyone's day'

Freddie's colleagues at Berry Telecom Group in Salisbury, where he was a marketing executive, remember him as "one of the greats, a genuine, caring, kind and funny guy who was loved by us all".

They added: "He brightened everyone’s day with his huge smile and charisma and always took the time to chat and check in with us all.

"We are all hurting from this unexpected and devastating loss. His family and close friends are firmly in our thoughts at this challenging time."

The Facebook post said they will "fondly remember his love of football", the way he led chants in the office in the build-up to tournaments, and "his relentless kicking of ‘Freddie’s Football’ around the berry office.

"Freddie you will forever be a member of our berry family and we love you and will miss you terribly."

'A true gent'

Freddie was also a regular at The Village Freehouse, in Wilton Road, and pub manager Adrian Leonard said he was "a lovely guy and one that will leave a hole in our community at the pub".

In a Facebook post "that should never have been written," Adrian added: "You were a beacon for the younger generation, a true gent that was kind, funny, caring, thoughtful and someone who any person would be proud to say that they knew him.

"Though we only knew him over the past three years, in all my 28 years of this trade I could not wish for a better customer, he was someone that you could instantly connect with.

"I and my fellow staff will miss his smile and presence. Taken from us at a far too early stage in his life. Our thoughts go out to his family and I know his name and memories will live on till the end of time.

"Freddie we love you."

'He lit up a room'

Freddie played for Laverstock and Ford football club, who said the loss was "an absolute tragedy and one that has hit us all hard".

“He was a brilliant man, he lit up a room with his infectious smile. Was an enforcer on the pitch and made such a positive impact with all age groups across the club!

"We will miss you so much Fred!"

The Bemerton Heath Harlequins football club added that they were "devastated" to learn of the passing of the club's former player and friend.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with all of his family and friends during these moments of immense pain."

Fundraiser for Freddie's family

Salisbury man Jamie Dawkins set up a fundraiser today to support Freddie’s family in making sure he "gets the celebration worthy of the young king he was at his funeral".

The £2,000 target was reached within half an hour of being set up - at last count, the page had raised nearly £10,000.

To donate to the GoFundMe, click here.

Read more:

After the attack in New Canal, which police believe involved 15 men, three arrests were made.

However, only one person has been charged so far and officers say they are not looking for any other suspects.

Connor Pool, 24, of Salt Lane, Winterbourne Gunner, appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday February 23 charged with Section 18 grievous bodily harm.

He will next appear before Winchester Crown Court on March 25.

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