Luke Walker's pals shocked over murder allegations

Friends who have known murder suspect Luke Walker for years today told of their shock at the allegations he is facing – as his claims of innocence received a boost.

Walker is accused of beating girlfriend Chelsea Hyndman to death on the holiday island of Crete, with Greek doctors saying her injuries were caused by physical violence.

But his father Patrick today claimed a second post-mortem carried out by British doctors had found Miss Hyndman, aged 21, died from a single injury to the abdomen which ruptured her pancreas.

Mr Walker said the findings backed up his son's version of events, that Miss Hyndman was hurt when she fell heavily on a beer glass on a girls' night out.

Walker is described by friends as a fun-loving football fanatic liked by everyone who knows him.

They also say the 22-year-old from Brierley Hill was head over heels in love with Miss Hyndman.Walker, of Gayfield Avenue, had been dating Miss Hyndman for three years.

He was formally charged with her murder last Thursday and refused bail.

Darren Hadlington has been dating Walker's cousin Daniella for seven years, becoming close friends with the fellow former Thorns Community College pupil.

The 23-year-old, of Henzel Croft, Brierley Hill, said Wolves fan Walker was just a "nice, down to earth bloke".

He said:?"It's shocking what is being written about him. He is not capable of doing anything like that, I know him and I saw how he was with Chelsea – there is just no way."

Customer adviser Luke Tilt, aged 21, also went to Thorns Community College but met Walker when they were playing in the Stourbridge Glassboys youth set-up eight years ago.

Mr Tilt, of Withymoor Road, Netherton, said: "He has always been a laugh, a good lad who would never do anything to hurt anybody.

"He was very popular not just at school but in lots of different circles. Everyone that knows him likes him."

Supporters of Walker are holding a pub fundraiser at the weekend which will be attended by hundreds of family and friends.

It follows an online campaign proclaiming his innocence. The event will be held on Sunday at the Dock and Iron pub in Delph Road, Brierley Hill, from noon.