Police Identify Guildford Man Stabbed To Death In Tongham

Published on: 4 Nov, 2021
Updated on: 9 Nov, 2021

The 37-year-old Guildford man who died after suffering stab wounds in Tongham last month has been identified by police as Wayne Smith.

Mr Smith, from Rickyard, Guildford, has been described by his family as a “bubbly, boisterous man who had a radiant smile”.

Wayne Smith, 37, died after suffering stab wounds in Tongham last month.

He was admitted to hospital in critical condition on Friday, 15 October, after suffering stab wounds and died twelve days later.

A murder investigation launched by Surrey and Sussex’s Major Crime Team remains ongoing.

A 23-year-old man, a 30-year-old man and a 16-year-old teenager, all from Aldershot, were arrested soon after the incident and then released. The 16-year-old was then re-arrested on suspicion of murder. All three remain on bail pending further enquiries.

The attack occurred in The Moors, Tongham, near the underpass of the A331. The incident then moved close to the Cricketers pub soon after 9pm.

Mr Smith’s father said: “No words can explain how much we loved Wayne, how much we will miss him and how big the hole will be in our lives now he has gone. He was a fun and loving family man who was extremely close to me, his younger brother and his nephews.

“Wayne was looking forward to enjoying the rest of his life after passing the test to become a digger driver and he was planning lots of holidays with his girlfriend. He was excited for what his future had in store for him and it is just devastating that this was taken away from him.

“We have received lots of well wishes from the local community and from those who knew Wayne, and it has been very touching to see the impact he had on so many people.”

Wayne’s mother said: “No parent should have to go through the pain, heartbreak and sorrow that we are feeling and will continue to feel forevermore.”

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Gareth Hicks said: “We encourage anyone who has any information to contact us and we especially would like to speak to those who were in the area of The Moors, Tongham, close to the underpass of the A331, at around 9pm on Friday, 15 October. You may have seen or heard something that is crucial to our investigation, so please do get in touch.”

The police said they can be contacted, quoting crime reference number PR/45210109161, on the the Major Incident Public Portal here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/4521K53-PO1 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555.