Tributes to murdered punk rocker Steve Andrews have poured in on social networking sites.

Childhood friends and former punks have described the New Zealander, whose name in the band was Luger Douche, as a "legend".

Mr Andrews, 46, was left with "serious head injuries" after being attacked outside the Duke's Head, in Lower Richmond Road, Putney, on Sunday.

Tragically the Vas Deferens frontman died within 24 hours from his injuries and a murder investigation has been launched.

Howard Levarko is a bass player for Domino, another band on the Kiwi punk scene.

He said: "I can't picture a world without Steve Andrews. He was a character. He was just a legend.

"Everybody loved Steve. He would walk up to a complete stranger and talk to them. He was known by a hell of a lot of people. It's hitting us pretty bloody badly.

"I will never forget the Hopper St Warehouse gigs you played alongside our band Domino.

"Everyone who knew Steve loved the guy, his infectious laugh, his infectious appetite for a pint, his legendary 21st birthday celebrations in Central Park, Brooklyn,Wellington."

Mr Andrews, from Wellington, formed the band in 1988 and they became a force in the New Zealand capital's punk scene.

According to friends, he was due to return to New Zealand for a reunion tour with Vas Deferens in 2013.

He moved to London in the late 1990s where he worked as a postman. Friends and fans alike have left heartfelt messages of support and tributes to the singer.

In the last few days, Mr Andrews had posted photographs of himself on Facebook with British punk legend Mick Jones from The Clash. His profile is littered with photos of himself with punk legends including The Clash's Jones and John Lydon, aka Johnny Rotten, former frontman of The Sex Pistols.

Another close friend Teuila Tualaulelei said: "I hope you're in your idea of heaven taking your place among the rock gods and goddesses.

"Gone way too soon, and senselessly. Prayers and deep condolences to Steve's family, and friends near and far. RIP with the angels, sweetie."

Rufus Dayglo wrote a touching anecdote on Mr Andrews' Facebook page: ''When I first met Steve I was new in Wellington, he approached me and gave me a flyer.

"'You like Punk eh? Come see these guys, they're the best punk band in Welly.'

"So I turned up to the gig and it's him on stage with Vas Deferens. Steve Andrews one of a kind.''