Police professional standards officers are investigating the death of Kingston’s Patrick Katende, who was found dead under a lift in Cambridge Gardens Estate on Thursday (December 4).

A post mortem examination carried out today revealed the 21-year-old died from asphyxiation.

Mr Katende was found after a resident of Cambridge Gardens Estate called the emergency services at 7.05am yesterday morning to say a man was trapped in the lift shaft.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr Katende’s death is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police directorate of professional standards, based at Putney.

A police spokeswoman said: “It is being treated as a potential death following police contact as police had pursued burglary suspects on to the estate a short time before the deceased was found.”

Tributes were today paid to Mr Katende, a former Southborough pupil and Kingston College student.

His careers advisor, Andy Smith, from Kingston Connexions, described Mr Katende as a “lovely guy”.

He said: “Patrick was a fanatical basketball player while at school and we managed to get him in to Kingston College as part of their Basketball Academy.

“Patrick also used to visit the Kingston Connexions centre for general advice and help with looking for part time work.

“He is well remembered by the all the staff for his warmth and engaging personality. We are all in shock at the tragic loss of such a lovely guy.”

Police officers are also investigating whether Mr Katende’s death is linked to an earlier incident in the same area.

Two men aged 20 and 21 and a 17-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of burglary.

They were taken to a south London police station for questioning and have subsequently been bailed to return on Tuesday, December 9.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission were also informed of the incident and concluded the investigation should be carried out locally by the Metropolitan Police.

Anyone who has any information concerning the attempted burglary or Mr Katende’s death is asked to contact 020 8785 8738, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to remain anonymous.

• Did you know Patrick? Let us know by email or phone the newsroom on 020 8330 9555 or leave a tribute below.