THE family of a man who died following an alleged incident in Middlesbrough have paid tribute to their “loving and caring son, husband, father, brother, uncle, nephew and cousin who would do anything for anybody.”

Eric Hunter, 39, died at James Cook University Hospital on Monday, July 27, following the alleged incident on Saturday, July 25.

Mr Hunter’s sons, Jacob, seven, and Daniel, two, also paid tribute to their 'loving daddy' and said: “We know you are in heaven watching over us. You will always be by our side.

"We will treasure the awesome memories we made with you; family days out, Christmas traditions, playing, belly laughing and loads more.

"Every Osprey and Scotland rugby game, we will pause to hear your voice in the crowd willing them to go on and score.

“Our shared love of superheroes will always remind us that we knew the greatest superhero of them all.

“We cry because we love you so much and we are never going to be able to tell you the ending of a film before you have watched it or never going to hear your witty humour, tease one another or play tricks on mammy.

“You were our fun loving, theme park riding partner. We cry the most because we will never be able to run in your bedroom to wake you up, give you sloppy kisses or cwtches.

“Our hearts are breaking but we know your caring, loving heart is already helping others in heaven and on Earth.

"You are our Rumble on the Double, fixing everyone else's problems. We are so proud of you, we love you so much.

“Life will never be the same again but we will hold you tight in our hearts.

“To infinity and beyond.”

The family have asked that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.