MORE than £3,000 has been raised in memory of a Stockton man who died on Friday.

James Stokoe, 40, from Stockton, died on Friday after being assaulted.

A man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Zoe Wilkinson, from Ingleby Barwick, set up the online fundraiser today and within hours, thousands of pounds has been donated.

She described Mr Stokoe as "kind, gentle and funny".

She said: “After the devastating loss of our friend James Stokoe as a group of his close friends we decided to create a Go Fund Me page to help raise money for his family who have tragically lost him too soon.

"Nothing will take the pain away but if we can do something positive and offer support in any way we will.

"James will be greatly missed by so many and seeing lots of people sharing lovely messages and donating just shows his popularity and how loved he was."

The Northern Echo:

An online fundraising page has already raised more than £3,000

On Saturday, his family paid tribute to Mr Stokoe as a “much loved husband father, son and son-in-law” and as a “treasured friend”.

They added: “James was a wonderfully kind and gentle person. There are no words to express our sadness.”

Cleveland Police is investigating Mr Stokoe’s death and is appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

The 40-year-old was found with serious injuries in a silver BMW in Trenchard Avenue, Thornaby, at about 2.20pm on Friday.

To donate to the fund, visit In memory of James Stokoe