A MURDER investigation has been launched in Barrow after the death of a 35-year-old man who has been described as a "gentle giant".

Police were called to Meetings View, Barrow, on Saturday night at around 10pm following reports that a man had sustained serious injuries.

He was taken to Furness General Hospital by ambulance but died shortly afterwards. The Evening Mail understands a weapon was used in an alleged assault. 

The deceased has been formally identified by police as Guy Hamilton and a friend, who lives nearby but did not wish to be named, paid tribute to a person who "had all the time in the world for anyone".

She told the Evening Mail: "His life has been cut short. It breaks my heart.

"I've known him since school. I've been sat in my living room crying about this.

"He was very well known. It has shook the whole community.

"He had all the time in the world for anyone. He volunteered within the community.

"He was going to do the Keswick to Barrow. He was saying: 'I'm going to smash this K2B'.

"I've lived up Ormsgill since I was a teenager and I have never seen anything like this, especially this end of Ormsgill.

"I know Ormsgill has got a reputation but this is a really close community."

A 44-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Magistrates have granted a warrant of further detention to give detectives another 24 hours in which to question him.

Crime Scene Investigation officers wearing white forensic suits were seen carrying out inquiries around a sectioned off part of Meetings View on Sunday.

Graham Humphrey, 67, who lives near the scene in Sowerby Avenue, said he was shocked to see the huge amount of police activity when he returned home.

He said: "I've lived here all my life. I've never known any bother like it.

"It's usually very quiet."

Friends of Mr Hamilton, who the Evening Mail understands went to Walney School, took to Facebook yesterday to pass on their tributes.

One woman wrote: "Guy was the nicest, caring person you could ever meet, heart of gold. He touched so many people's hearts with his stories and happy ways."

While another said: "Can't believe someone would hurt you in that way! Gentle giant you were!"

Detectives from Barrow CID are eager to speak to anyone who was in the area of Meetings View between 4pm and 10pm on Saturday.

Detective Inspector Ian Harwood said: "If you were in the area of Meetings View between these times or if you have any information to offer in connection with this death we would urge you to come forward."

Residents can contact Barrow CID on 101.

Information may also be left anonymously on Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.