A FAMILY tonight paid tribute to a man who was stabbed to death outside an Oxford pub.

Stephen Pinker, 43, of Burford Road, Witney, died after the attack outside the Corner House pub in Hollow Way, Oxford, last night.

He leaves behind two grown-up children, an ex-wife, Sharon Pinker and a partner, Rebecca Holmes.

Mrs Pinker tonight issued a statement through Thames Valley Police.

It said: "I met Steve when I was 15; we were childhood sweethearts and married for 21 years.

"We shared many happy times together and had two beautiful children (Luke, aged 20, and Emily, aged 17) who have lost a loving dad who will be greatly missed.

"He also sadly leaves behind his mum Jan; dad Pete; sister Becky, her husband Pat and his nieces Channelle and Lottie; brother Matthew, his wife Julie and their daughter Isis.

"He was very proud to serve his country for 12 years with the Royal Green Jackets.

"He will always be in our thoughts. His children want to tell him Love you so much, Dad'."