POLICE have named the victim of the Forge Road New Year’s Day murder as Paul Tompkins.

The 59-year-old, who was known locally as ‘Tonka’, was found dead at his flat just after 7pm and a post mortem revealed he died from “wounds consistent with stab injuries”.

Unemployed Daniel Jones, 33, also of Forge Road, appeared before Dudley Magistrates Court this morning (January 4) charged with murder.

Jones was remanded in custody and will now attend a hearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court tomorrow (January 5).

A number of tributes to Mr Tompkins have been paid on facebook, with Ian Subs saying he was given the nickname ‘Tonka’ after putting his foot through a Tonka toy truck.

Daz Whitehouse said: “When I first left home and went to live in a bedsit in Stourbridge, he lived with his mom and dad next door.

“He always used to come round listen to music, tell us stories – summer of 93 has great memories for me.”

Dom ‘Brothers Bud’ Farrington added: “God bless him. Such a gentle soul.”

West Midlands Police continue to appeal for information to help them determine the circumstances surrounding Mr Tompkins’ death.

They are asking anyone who can assist the investigation to call them on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.