The family of a teenage boy murdered in front of commuters at a busy south London railway station say they are “beyond heartbroken”.

Louis Johnson’s grandfather and brother paid tribute to the 16-year-old in a statement issued through police on Wednesday.

They said: “Louis was only 16. He was tragically taken from us at such a young age. He had his whole life ahead of him, all the things that any teenager could wish for.

“Louis was generally a shy boy who kept himself to himself but he was also very popular among his peers and has left behind many friends. He leaves behind a huge family who are all devastated. We miss Louis dearly and will continue to miss him until we meet again in a better place.”

The teenager was stabbed to death in an incident that lasted 40 seconds on Monday afternoon. British Transport Police said Louis had come into East Croydon station at about 4.30pm through the Ruskin Square ticket barrier, and was attacked minutes later.

While he was on the overbridge in the station he met someone who pulled out a knife and stabbed him.

Louis’s relatives said he was a Liverpool fan and loved all kinds of music. Their statement said: “He had one true love, Liverpool Football Club, and made sure he never missed any televised event which concerned them.

“He also loved music of every genre and didn’t care if you called him a softie for listening to love songs all day. Louis would always go out of his way to try and help or please others and would literally halve his last piece of bread with you if you asked him.”

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder.