THE head of the charity Michael was working for in India has paid tribute to him.
Anna Owen, director of the Tong-Len Charitable Trust, said: "I am deeply shocked. We are finding it hard to grasp the reality that he is gone.
"I returned from India myself a week ago, where I worked very closely with Michael for three weeks.
"The whole community is stunned by the seemingly senseless killing of the lovely young man who has worked so tirelessly for them.
"He worked tirelessly for Tong-Len and was an inspiration to us all. He is irreplaceable in our organisation.
"My thoughts and prayers, and those of all of us associated with the charity, are with Michael's family as they try to come to terms with this devastating loss, a loss that stretches beyond the personal.
"The world and India in particular has lost a dedicated and ardent campaigner for human rights - a wonderful young man who was prepared to devote his life to the service of others."
Michael was involved in the research and development side of the charity's work, with a specific focus on education, health and community-based projects.
He was instrumental in the establishment of Tong Len Charitable Trust in India in December 2004 and was one of the founder members of the partner charity, Tong Len UK, which raises the funds for the work in the field.
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