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A man stabbed to death on his driveway by a gang trying to steal his moped was a celebrity bodyguard who protected Abbey Clancy and Peter Crouch at their wedding.

Ricky Hayden, 27, looked after the star couple and also worked as a security guard for ITV’s This Morning.

Ricky was initially said to have suffered "life-changing" injuries after the brutal attack by up to four men in Chadwell Heath, Essex in the early hours yesterday.

But the Metropolitan Police tragically announced today that Ricky has since died in hospital and a murder inquiry has been launched.

Two men were arrested in the early hours of this morning on suspicion of murder.

Ricky and his dad Paul Hayden – a former security guard to the stars at ITV studios in London – were woken by a noise and rushed outside, where they interrupted the gang as they tried to steal their moped.

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(Image: Facebook)

(Image: Facebook)

Police said the gang were carrying "large knives" and left Paul, 46, and Ricky with a number of lacerations and stab wounds after the attack at 1.30am.

They were taken to an east London hospital, where tragic Ricky was pronounced dead in the early hours of this morning.

Paul remains in hospital, but his injuries are not life-threatening.

Ricky, who had an older sister and younger brother, worked at footballer Peter Crouch’s wedding in 2011 and was on call as a doorman at nightclubs around East London and Kosho Bar on South Street, Romford.

(Image: Splash) (Image: ENTERPRISE NEWS AND PICTURES)

He worked with his dad Paul at ITV looking after stars including David Jason and Kerry Katona.

Kerry has expressed her heartbreak at the news this morning, saying he was well-known by many who worked at the ITV studios on the Southbank, central London, including Coleen Nolan.

Kerry Katona said Paul is a family man who was well-liked by everyone at ITV.

She added: "I knew Paul soooooo well such a nice bloke! He has always been soooo kind to me!

(Image: Facebook)

"My heart breaks for him and his family at this such sad time... Paul has always been a family man and thinks the world of his children!

"My thoughts and prays are with him and his family."

A family member said it was “very difficult and delicate time”.

Ricky's sister April Hayden, 23 posted pictures of her brother from hospital on Facebook, as friends and family rushed to pay tribute.

The heartbreaking pictures show April give her big brother a kiss during his final moments.

A special night, 'Dance for Ricky Hayden', has been organised by his colleagues at Kosho Bar in his memory at the bar, with all money raised to go to his grieving family.

(Image: Eastnews) (Image: Eastnews)

Shocked well-wishers rushed to comfort bereaved April and pay tribute to the "top bloke".

Chelsea Sheehan said: "Omg this is heartbreaking. RIP to your brother, thoughts are all with you."

Leah James wrote: "Every single thought and prayer is with you and your family. There are just no words, sending all my love to you! xxxxxxxxxx"

Karen Murray added: "Heartbroken. Ricky was a top man, one of the best xxx"

Paul Clarke, who works in ITV’s security team, told the London Evening Standard: "I’ve worked with Paul for many years and with Ricky since he started in the security industry.

"He was a pleasure to work with and very well respected by the This Morning team. He was also a good laugh and will be sadly missed by many people at ITV."

(Image: Eastnews) (Image: PA)

Colleague Roy Knapp added that Ricky was "one of the greatest guys" he had the pleasure of knowing."

Family friend Ron Martin said: "I’m completely heartbroken, I’ve known the family for five years and all I can say is I'm gutted for them."

Havering Council also paid tribute to Ricky, who also worked as a member of the highways maintenance team with them.

Andrew Blake-Herbert, chief executive of the council, told the BBC: "Our condolences and thoughts are with Ricky's family and friends, our prayers are also with his father who remains in hospital."

(Image: PA)

(Image: Facebook)

Laying flowers at the scene, Suzanne Hardy, who worked with Ricky's mum at a primary school, said you "couldn't get a better family".

Caroline Hill Shearer wrote on Facebook: "A friend of mine have had a friend murdered last night.

"Ricky Hayden was stabbed to death last night over a moped.

"My love and heart are with his family, friends and everyone that will be affected by this. There nightmare is just beginning xxx"

(Image: PA) (Image: PA)

Meanwhile, Essex Promotions posted a picture of Ricky on Twitter alongside the caption: "Almost impossible to post but Ricky Hayden you deserve our respect."

Friend Stuart Edwards added: "RIP Ricky Hayden, can't believe I gave you a massive hug on Thursday after years of not seeing each other. Absolute top lad and I'll see you again one day x"

(Image: PA)

Police said this morning that the group of men ran away from the scene without the moped after the attack.

Neighbours at the scene said this morning that the Haydens are a "lovely family".

Bella Tasci, 34, said Ricky's mum is Suzanne Hedges, a teaching assistant, 49, who has separated from Paul, and his younger brother is 20-year-old Perry.

(Image: Facebook) (Image: ENTERPRISE NEWS AND PICTURES)

The mum of three said: "They are a lovely family.

"Ricky is always at work. I think he works as a bouncer.

"He is such a nice person. He keeps himself to himself.

"His dad used to work as a security guard at ITV."

Bunches of mainly pink and white flowers were left by a large police cordon on the street, which surrounds a large patch of blood in the road.

There is still a large police presence at the crime scene.

A Met Police spokesman said: "A murder investigation has been launched by detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command.

"Officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen or heard anything that may assist the investigation."

A post-mortem examination will be held in due course, the spokesman added.

Detectives from Barking and Dagenham are investigating and appealing for witnesses or anyone with information about the attack to contact 0203 2761054.