Tributes to man with 'heart of gold' found by canal

Robert Brown was found fatally injured on a bench on the towpath behind Auctioneers Court in Northampton

A family has paid tribute to a man who was "always full of fun" with a "heart of gold" who was found fatally injured by a canal.

Northamptonshire Police launched a murder investigation after it was called to a footpath behind Auctioneers Court, Northampton, at about 06:30 BST on Friday.

Robert Brown, 57, who grew up in Kislingbury, was found injured on a bench and later died. A post-mortem examination revealed he had an arm wound.

In a tribute his family, said: "He was our real-life Peter Pan - the boy who never grew up. Everyone who knew Rob just loved him."

The force arrested a 38-year-old man on suspicion of murder, who has since been released on bail pending further investigation.

In a tribute from his parents and brothers, Mr Brown was described as "always full of fun".

It said: "He definitely had the gift of the gab and could talk the hind legs off a donkey... He had a heart of gold and was always ready to help others."

His family described him as being a "real-life" Peter Pan and was said to be "always full of fun"

His family said he loved motorbikes and was "so fearless and such a daredevil".

Growing up, his family said he stripped down a broken lawnmower and rebuilt it at the age of seven and went on to work at a car repair business and greengrocers.

His family added: "We are truly devastated that Rob has been taken from us, but reading all the tributes on social media has provided some source of comfort. It is lovely to know just how many people knew Rob and enjoyed his company.

"We will always miss his chirpy banter, but we know there are many happy memories to share and talk about."

Mr Brown's children said people's words since he died had brought them comfort and shown them how much of an impact he had on people.

They said: "We have our happy memories to cherish, and Dad will leave a massive gap in our family with his cheeky smile and kind heart. Dad was a kind and loving man, and we will all miss him incredibly."

His partner Julia also paid tribute saying there was "never a dull moment".

She said: "At school I always had the hots for Robert, he was the school heartthrob.

"Being with Robert there was never a dull moment, we laughed and joked at the same things. He would do anything for me, he was a selfless person and always put others first, nothing was ever too much."