A Stanford-le-Hope man has been killed following an altercation at a petrol station.

The man, named locally as 20-year-old Quhey Saunders, was killed during a "horrific" daylight attack at a service station on the M25 in Cobham, Surrey.

Police Officers were called to the petrol station forecourt at Cobham Services at around 3.20pm on Monday to reports of a fight between two groups of people, who it is believed were known to each other.

A 20-year-old man was flown by air ambulance to hospital with substantial head injuries.

He sadly died this morning.

Witness Rafael Francis, 53, was on his way to work for a delivery company at 3.15pm on Monday when he saw the fight break out.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, the retired soldier said: "I don’t know what started it, but there were lots of vicious punches and kicks being thrown. They were shouting about getting a gun, that’s when I tried to get involved.

'His mother kept asking me if I thought the boy was going to make it, I couldn’t look her in the eye. There was just too much blood."

The other two men left the scene in a white van, which was the subject of an earlier appeal. The van was found earlier today abandoned in Chessington, and has been recovered by police.

Touching messages have been posted on social media to the popular youngster.

Levi Harbour, of Wickford, posted: "RIP Quhey Saunders. This fella was a gentlemen to me one of the slickest boys I knew!

"Always joking about. It just doesn't seem right!

"Only 20 years old and to think I was running up and down on a football pitch with him a thew weeks ago! God only takes the best."

Friend Tom Polley added: "RIP Quhey Saunders.

"What a nice and loving young man that I had the pleasure of meeting and growing up with.

"Heaven has gained an angel. You will be missed but never forgotten and my thoughts are with the Saunders family at this tough time."

Michael Odriscoll said: "Heartbroken isn't the word. Don't know what I'm gonna do without him. Rest in perfect peace my cousin."

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Jo Hayes said:

“This was a horrifying attack at a busy petrol station on the M25, and I am sure that there are people who saw what happened but have not yet spoken to my officers.

"This is now a murder investigation, and we are pursuing all avenues of enquiry to bring those responsible to justice.

"I would like to speak to everyone who refuelled at the petrol station, or visited the shop, between 3pm and 3.30pm on Monday 26 June.

"In particular there is a man shown in the store on CCTV wearing military or camouflage clothing who could have very valuable information for the investigation. If this person is you, please come forward.

"There are reports of people filming on mobile phones during the altercation, and immediately afterwards, and it is imperative that we get hold of their footage.

"There were vehicles on the forecourt during the fight, and I want to speak to those drivers, and view any dashcam footage they may have.

"Finally, although we have recovered the van, we still need to piece together its movements. The van is described as a white Peugeot Partner Van, registration NX63 VLP, with a roof rack and ladder strapped to the roof.

"If you saw the van between 3.30pm on Monday and 10am this morning, or have information about the driver and their whereabouts, please contact us as a matter of urgency.”

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Paddy Mayers added: “I would like to reassure the public that we are thoroughly investigating the circumstances of this incident.

"At this time we are following a number of lines of enquiry, but I would specifically ask for anyone who may have seen a white panel van or a blue Ford Focus either at the location; in the minutes leading up the incident; or immediately after the incident; to get in touch with us. Any information, no matter how small, could be vital.

“If you wish to do so you can report any information you may have to the independent charity Crimestoppers in complete anonymity by calling 0800 555 111. ”Anyone with any information is asked to call Surrey Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or report it online at http://report.police.uk, quoting 45170068211”.