The man killed after a fight outside a Putney pub has been named as Steve Andrews, the lead singer of a New Zealand punk rock band.

Mr Andrews, from Wellington, New Zealand, died on Sunday afternoon following an assault on Saturday night outside the Duke's Head pub, in Lower Richmond Road.

The 46-year-old was treated by paramedics at the scene but was critically injured with "serious head injuries" and lost his short battle at 6pm.

Mr Andrews was thought to be on a night out celebrating his girlfriend's birthday.

Little is known about the incident itself but the attack is thought to have taken place on Thames Place, a small road linking the main road, Lower Richmond Road, with Putney Embankment which runs parallel to the river.

Mike Dunstan, who was at the pub on Saturday, said: "We came outside about 12.50am and saw an ambulance and police on Thames Place, right outside the bar.

"A chap was being treated but we had no idea there had been a fight. I thought he might've just fallen over or something.

"It was quite busy on Saturday night but the pub stays open til one (am) but it was really cold so only the smokers would've been outside."

Mr Andrews had been living in London for the last 15 years and was clearly a popular man, as can be seen from the number of tributes left to him on social networking sites.

He was the frontman of punk band Vas Deferens who formed in 1988 and were prominent in the New Zealand punk scene in the 1990s.

His family, in New Zealand, have been informed of his death and a post mortem was due to take place this week.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) is aware that a New Zealand national died and the New Zealand High Commissioner in London is following up with British authorities.

A spokesperson for the pub said: "The police are currently investigating the incident and we are assisting them in whatever way we can.

"We don't believe that the deceased was a regular at the Duke's Head but our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this intensely sad time."

Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Gwyn, from the Homicide & Serious Crime Command, is investigating the murder.

DCI Gwyn said: "We are appealing for anyone who was in or around the area of the Duke's Head pub in Lower Richmond Road after midnight that may have seen or heard anything, to call our incident room or Crimestoppers."

No arrests have been made at this point and police are continuing their enquiries.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that may assist police should call the incident room on 020 8721 4805 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111