A 17-year-old from London who stabbed a man in a playing field in Swindon last weekend has today been charged with murder following an investigation. 

The young man cannot be named

A 17-year-old from London who stabbed a man in a playing field in Swindon last weekend has today been charged with murder following an investigation. 

The young man cannot be named for legal reasons and is currently in police custody. 

He is due to appear before Swindon Magistrates' Court tomorrow and has  also been charged with possession of an offensive weapon.

Friends and family of Lee Turner, 33, organised a tribute to him yesterday by releasing lanterns and lighting candles in Coate Water Country Park

Lee Turner, 33, was found dead from a single stab wound to the chest in a field near the Pinehurst area last Sunday afternoon.

Mr Turner, from Park North, was meeting several other men in the field locally known as The Venney in Gorse Hill.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Walker said: 'I would like to pay tribute to Lee's family for their dignity and support during this ongoing investigation as they come to terms with the loss of a loved one.

The fatal stabbing took place in the field locally known as The Venney in Gorse Hill

'Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

'I would also like to thank those living in the Gorse Hill and Pinehurst areas of Swindon for the patience and support they have shown to our officers, allowing them to carry out their work.'

In a statement, Mr Turner's family said: 'Lee will be dearly missed. We would like to thank everyone for their kind messages and support, which have brought us comfort during this sad time.'

Yesterday the victim's friends and loved ones organised a tribute to him by releasing a lantern or lighting a candle in Coate Water Country Park. 

Mr Turner's friends also paid touching tributes online, saying: 'RIP Lee Turner, you were always there when I needed you, you always had my back.'

Another added: 'Can't even believe what I've just seen. You didn't deserve to go. Rest in peace, to a good friend who you could always turn to.' 

Alex William Norris-Glendinning, who organised the tribute on Facebook, posted: 'Words can't describe how much you will be miss. You have touched so many hearts.

'Going to miss your macho man slang and your big heart.'

'Going to light up the sky for you Lee Turner.

'Love you brother.'

An 18-year-old man, who was earlier arrested in connection with the stabbing has been released on conditional bail and a 24-year-old man has been released under investigation.