The only suspect in a “horrific” stabbing attack near Tewkesbury that left one man dead and another in a critical condition had been contacted by Gloucestershire police before the incident. The force named the victim as father-of-three Matthew Boorman, 43. He died at the scene in Walton Cardiff on Tuesday before passersby, including two off-duty police officers, could intervene. In a statement his family said: “Matthew was a loving husband and a father to three gorgeous young children who all love him and miss him tremendously. He was an uncle, a brother and a son. It broke our hearts to lose him too soon.” The suspect, a man in his 50s, remains in police custody and officers are not looking for anyone else. Ch Insp Roddy Gosden said the force had referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct because of its previous contact with the suspect and the victim. He said it would not be appropriate to comment further on the details of the contact or when it took place. Gosden said two other people, a man in his 40s and a woman in her 30s, were injured in the attack, which occurred at about 5.20pm on Tuesday. He said: “A second man suffered serious stab wounds and was taken to Southmead hospital in Bristol, where he remains in a critical but stable condition. A woman also suffered a wound to her leg and has been treated at Gloucester Royal hospital.” He added: “This was a horrific incident in a quiet residential area. We understand those who saw what happened will be traumatised, and many in the local community will be upset and worried. Today and over the next few days local policing team officers will be patrolling the area to listen to people’s concerns, refer people to available support and provide reassurance.” Gosden paid tribute to those who intervened to stop the attack. He said: “Our thanks to those who were first at the scene, including two off-duty police officers who bravely intervened to tackle and restrain the suspect. “Our thoughts at this time are with the family of the man who died and those who were injured. The next of kin are currently receiving support from my family liaison officers.” Police appealed for witnesses. Gosden said: “The investigation continues and anyone who has not already spoken to us or anyone who has video footage of the incident is asked to please contact us and not to post it on social media.” Gloucestershire’s deputy chief constable, Jon Stratford, said it was “an awful incident” and that the investigation was at “very early stage”. The local Conservative MP, Laurence Robertson, praised the emergency services for their response, tweeting: “My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the victims of last night’s incidents in Walton Cardiff. “I commend the emergency services for their fast response and encourage anyone with information to come forward.”