THE sister of Ibrahim Gharib, the 20-year-old who plunged to his death in a Thames dock in suspicious circumstances, has paid personal tribute this week to her popular and loving’ brother. Ibrahim was on the quayside at Shadwell Basin in with last Thursday night when he was drowned

Keir Mudie

THE sister of Ibrahim Gharib, the 20-year-old who plunged to his death in a Thames dock in suspicious circumstances in East London, has paid personal tribute this week to her popular and loving’ brother.

Ibrahim, a former pupil at Bethnal Green Technology College, was on the quayside at Shadwell Basin dock in Wapping with his 17-year-old girlfriend last Thursday night when he was drowned.

Police believe he may have been involved in a fight with youths before he fell in.

Fatima Gharib told the East London Advertiser: “The family is just devastated. He was such a popular man, happy and loving. He would do anything for anyone. Everyone liked him and wanted to be with him.”

Ibrahim came from a close-knit family with five brothers and three sisters living in Shadwell close by.

But it was 12 hours before emergency services managed to recover his body on Friday.

Police have arrested two men aged 20 and 22 in connection with Thursday night’s incident who have since been released on bail.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to call the incident room on 020-8345 3734, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.

They particularly want to hear from an Asian who approached the couple and a man who dived into the water to try and save Ibrahim.