Tributes to man who died in suspected assault
SuppliedTributes have been paid to a man who died in a suspected assault.
Jeff Blair, 55, was found with serious injuries during at Dent Street in Shildon, County Durham, at about 13:00 GMT on Tuesday and was pronounced dead a short time later.
In a statement, his "devastated "family said he was a "much-loved son, brother, father, partner, uncle, and good friend to many".
A 49-year-old man was arrested and remains in police custody. A cordon remains in place while investigators continue to work at the scene.
His family said his ability to apply humour and laughter to any situation and lighten the mood would be "irreplaceable".
"We are devastated to lose Jeff in such tragic circumstances and he will be forever missed and remembered always, with much love and affection," they added.
The family are being supported by specialist family liaison officers.
