Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield have sent their deepest condolences to a security guard who used to work for This Morning. Paul Hayden and his son Ricky were attacked at their home by burglars, and as a result Ricky sadly lost his life.
Holly and Phillip paid tribute to the father-son duo, who worked at the ITV studios for years.
"Dominating the papers today is the tragic story of a father and son who were attacked with a machete when they tried to fight off four thieves outside their home in East London on Tuesday," said Holly.
"Ricky's father Paul spent over five years working at This Morning as our security guard," said Phillip
"Twenty-seven year old Ricky Hayden was rushed to hospital after the attack but very sadly died yesterday," added Phillip.
He then revealed: "Ricky's father Paul spent over five years working at This Morning as our security guard often alongside his son Ricky, and we just wanted to send our thoughts and condolences to Paul and his family at this incredibly sad time."
"Lots of love to you," said Holly.
The pair were visibly emotional as they opened Thursday's segment of This Morning with the sad news.
© Photo: RexRicky Hayden was attacked at his home and tragically died as a result
Paul, 46, and Ricky, 27, were attacked at their home in Chadwell Heath by a group of up to four men who were attempting to steal a moped.
The Haydens were taken to hospital but sadly Ricky was pronounced dead shortly after. Paul, 46, is currently in hospital recovering from his knife wounds. His injuries are not life threatening.
Council worker Ricky also worked for other celebrity clients including Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy. He acted as one of the couple's bodyguards at their wedding.
Two men have been arrested over Ricky's death.
