The family of a 44-year-old Shropshire man who died after being found near a canal has today paid tribute to a “much loved” and “happy” man.

Kevin Kirkland’s family also said he was well-known and well-liked in Newport where he had many close friends and would be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Detectives are today still trying to find out what happened to Mr Kirkland.

He was found close to death by two passers-by near Newport Canal just after 8am on Wednesday. He died less than an hour later at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford.

No cause of death has yet been established and officers are still trying to find out whether anyone else was involved.

Mr Kirkland lived alone in Newport and was a computer technician with IT firm Synnex based in Stafford Park, Telford.

His mother Jean Foster and two brothers Nigel and Alistair Kirkland, who all live in Newport, paid tribute to him.

Loved

In a statement they said: “Kevin was a well-liked member of the community and was well-known around Newport. He had many close friends and was much loved by his family.

“He was a happy, carefree person who loved to have a pint and watch his beloved Wolves.

“He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.”

More than 30 officers are working on the case and they want to trace anyone who may have any information, particularly about Mr Kirkland’s movements in the hours before his death.

They also want to talk to anyone who uses the footpaths close to Newport canal and anyone who might have seen Mr Kirkland on the Tuesday or on any previous occasion in that particular area.

Detective Inspector Steve Tonks, leading the investigation, today said: “We are still appealing for information, particularly information about his movements on Tuesday, December 29.”

A post mortem examination has not identified a cause of death.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Telford police on 0300 3333000.

By Jason Lavan