Jeweller slain in store

The grieving family of a Victorian jeweller killed during an alleged robbery has paid a tearful tribute to him.

The sons of jeweller, Dermot O’Toole, 64, visited the store where their father died, surrounded by dozens of floral tributes.

Paramedics found O’Toole and his wife Bridget O’Toole, 63, at their Hastings jewellery business suffering injuries about 5pm (AEST) on Friday.

O’Toole was treated by ambulance officers but died a short time later.

Christian O’Toole described his father as a devoted family man who had gone to his wife’s aid.

“Mum and dad were inseparable,” O’Toole told the Nine Network.

“He was devoted to her.

“Nothing demonstrates this devotion more than the way in which he was so tragically taken from us.”

Heartbroken family members were hugged by supporters, dozens of which have left tributes on the jewellery store’s Facebook page.

“We know you grieve with us,” O’Toole told the Nine Network.

“We know you have us in your hearts and we want you to know that you are firmly in ours.” O’Toole’s wife Bridget was taken to the Frankston Hospital for treatment and required plastic surgery for her injuries.

A 26-year-old man was charged on Saturday with murder, armed robbery and intentionally causing serious injury.

He was remanded into custody during a brief out of sessions hearing on Saturday and will face the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

AAP

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