The man who died after jumping in the Thames while being challenged by the police in Kingston has been named.

The body of 23-year-old labourer, Liam Allan, was recovered from the river in the early hours of Saturday morning.

It is understood that police officers were flagged down near Kingston Bridge on Friday night after an argument and an allegation of theft.

It appears that Mr Allan attempted to escape the situation and jumped into the water by Bill's restaurant on Riverside Walk.

The Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) has now begun an investigation into the case.

Body-worn camera footage is under review and police say he had not been handcuffed.

In a tribute, Liam's father James Allan said: "I am broken. He was just so bubbly. He would talk to anyone. He would do anything for anyone.

"He was no angel … but he had a good heart."

A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money to cover funeral costs - https://www.gofundme.com/f/liam-allan-funeral-fundraiser

It said: "Liam was an amazing human being an amazing son, brother and friend."

Family friend, Hayley Jolley, said: "Liam was an amazing friend to both my sons. He had a wonderful heart and helped one of them through the tragic loss of his sister.

"I had the pleasure of meeting Liam a few times myself and what a lovely character he had, he was always willing to help others.

"He will be truly and sadly missed by so many whose hearts he touched."

In a statement, the Met Police said: "At around 22:30hrs on Friday, 26 August, police on routine patrol were flagged down on Kingston Bridge to a verbal altercation involving a man and a woman who were known to each other.

"An allegation of theft was made. Officers were in the process of arresting the man, believed to be aged in his 20s, when he entered the water. He had not been placed in handcuffs.

"A multi-agency response to locate the man was launched, involving the Met's Marine Policing Unit, National Police Air Service, London Fire Brigade and the RNLI.

"The man was recovered from the water at around 00:30hrs and treated by paramedics. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead."