Stabbed man was 'loving father'

Stephen Pinker served with the Royal Green Jackets

The ex-wife of a father-of-two who died after he was stabbed in the neck has paid tribute to "a loving dad".

Stephen Pinker was discovered outside the Corner House pub in Hollow Way, Headington, Oxford, on Tuesday night.

The 43-year-old died at the scene from a single stab wound. His former wife, Sharon Pinker, said he leaves a son, Luke, 20, and a daughter, Emily, 17.

A man, 25, was arrested on suspicion of murder and a 21-year-old woman, on suspicion of assisting an offender.

He was very proud to serve his country for 12 years with the Royal Green Jackets Sharon Pinker

Mr Pinker, from Burford Road, Witney, also had a partner, Rebecca Holmes.

A statement from Mrs Pinker read: "I met Steve when I was 15.

"We were childhood sweethearts and married for 21 years.

"We shared many happy times together and had two beautiful children [Luke and Emily] who have lost a loving dad who will be greatly missed.

"He was very proud to serve his country for 12 years with the Royal Green Jackets.

"He will always be in our thoughts. His children want to tell him, 'Love you so much, Dad'."

Earlier, Det Supt Rob Mason, of Thames Valley Police, said: "We have a team of detectives working on this case and are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed this incident or who has any information about it."