Friends of 21-year-old Patrick Katende, who died in a lift shaft on the Cambridge Gardens estate on Thursday have organised a special basketball game in his honour.

Police found basketball-obsessed Mr Katende, a former Southborough High School and Kingston College pupil, was found fatally injured at 7.05am on December 4, just days before his 22nd birthday.

Police are still investigating whether Mr Katende’s death is linked to an attempted burglary on Cambridge Road an hour before in which three people were arrested.

A Facebook group dedicated to Mr Katende has more than 1,000 members and has been inundated with messages.

A makeshift shrine at the Cambridge Gardens estate is covered in flowers, teddy bears, cards and a signed basketball.

Friends have organised the event, which will take place at Kingston College arena, Kingston Hall Road, on Wednesday, December 17, a day after Mr Katende’s funeral.

Organiser Stuart Tanner said: “Patrick loved basketball and we wanted to do something in memory of him to raise money and help his family with the funeral expenses.”

A Kingston team made up of Mr Katende’s friends will take on a London street basketball team.

Mr Tanner said: “The Kingston team will probably be beaten but Patrick was such a funny, charismatic guy and we wanted to do something fun to remember him by.

“So many people knew and liked Patrick that I’m worried we might need a bigger venue!”

Organisers have printed 100 t-shirts featuring a photo of Mr Katende which will be sold on the night for £10.

Doors to the event open at 6.30pm and the game starts at 7.30pm.

Entry is free.