Tribute to 'loved' dad killed in suspected murder

News imageCleveland Police Peter Phillips has close cropped grey hair and is wearing a black sleeveless jacket with a white t-shirt underneath. He is standing in a domestic kitchen.Cleveland Police
Peter Phillips was described as the "heart and soul" of his family

The family of a 47-year-old man whose death is being investigated as a suspected murder have paid tribute to him as a "loved" family man.

Peter Phillips was found dead and with "significant injuries" at Ayton Crescent, in Eston, on Saturday at about 23:00 BST.

He has been described as the "heart and soul" of his family and his relatives said they felt "robbed" by his death.

A man aged 39 has been arrested on suspicion of murder and a 29-year-old man on suspicion of assisting an offender, Cleveland Police said.

A tribute to the victim read: "Peter had a big family who all loved him, he was the heart and soul of our family.

"We are devastated at his loss and feel we have been robbed of him."

A second 39-year-old man remains in police custody along with a 38-year-old woman.

Another woman, aged 28, has been bailed pending further investigation.

The force said a 67-year-old woman and a man, 65, who had been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have since been released with no further action.

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