A man found dead in his home with head injuries was today named by police.

Neighbours today paid tribute to 59-year-old father-of-three Gary Belben.

He was discovered by police at a house in Lucas Road at about 6.40pm on Monday.

A post-mortem examination yesterday revealed he died of severe head wounds.

It is understood he had been hit with a crowbar.

Residents of the quiet street, off Mersea Road, paid tribute to a friendly, helpful man who was seen by some as the "dad of the road".

Margaret Morehen has lived on Lucas Road for almost 50 years and remembers Mr Belben and his family moving in a number of years ago.

"He was a very nice man," she recalled. "He helped out whenever you needed help and was very friendly.

"It's a terrible shock to us. We will miss him terribly."

Leila Fairbanks, 22, who lived almost opposite the family, said: "He was a wonderful bloke. Everyone knew him: he was like the dad of the road."

It is thought Mr Belben lived with his wife and two sons. He also had a daughter who lives away from home but visits regularly at the weekends.

  • A 15-year-old boy was today being questioned by police on suspicion of murder.