TRIBUTES have been paid to “a kind and caring man” who was found dead by police.

Officers said they were called to a house near Barrow’s Chatsworth Street at 7.30am on Wednesday after receiving calls expressing concerns about the welfare of a man.

When they arrived a man, named locally as Matthew Edwards, was found dead in the property, police said.

Gemma Humes, who worked with Mr Edwards at Risedale Care Home in Barrow for three years, said: “He was really hard working and he cared for his patients. He was a really kind and caring person. He was a really good laugh and was always bubbly.”

Mr Edwards was described as the 'life and soul of the party' by former colleagues at Hindpool Tigers rugby club.

"Everyone at the club is saddened to hear of the untimely passing of our former player Matty Edwards," a club statement said. 

"We would like to extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends at this sad time. 

"Matty came to the club from Roose to play with his brother Pete and played a major part in our success in the Barrow and District league before we headed off to play in the North West Counties set up.

"Along with a number of his Hindpool team mates he went along to play at Lancaster in the fledgling summer conference league where Hindpool and Heysham Atoms formed the back bone of the side and he made many friends amongst the Atoms as well.

"Although he has not played for a few years now Matty had mentioned he may come of out retirement this year to play in our masters team alongside a number of former team mates and that side will be poorer on and off the field for not having him there. 

"Matty was the life and soul of many a party and will be sadly missed by all those who were fortunate enough to have met him." 

Officers said Mr Edwards’ death was not being treated as suspicious.

His family and the coroner have both been informed.

The Mail would like to clarify Mr Edwards’ death is being treated as unexplained by the police. There is no suggestion he has taken his own life. An inquest to establish the cause of death will be held at a later date. The Mail would like to apologise to Mr Edwards’ family for any upset caused.