FRIENDS have lead tributes to a popular former boxer stabbed to death at a Southampton home.

The body of Michael Freshwater was found in a house in Westridge Road in the Portswood area of the city.

Last night police were interviewing a 26-year-old man on suspicion of the 49-year-old dad-of-four's murder.

Today murder detectives are continuing their investigations and have launched a repeated appeal for anyone who may have witnessed the attack to contact them.

It comes as friends of the the plasterer and keen West Ham fan paid tribute to him in an outpouring of emotion.

It followed his partner Jenny Downey remembering him as a "a truly amazing soul" with a "beautiful heart".

As previously reported a post mortem revealed Mr Freshwater, who lived in the Swaythling area, had sustained a stab wound, and last night police had yet to disclose the nature of the weapon.

Mr Freshwater was a keen boxer in his younger days and had moved to the city around five years ago from his native London.

He liked to keep fit and was a familiar face in Exile Gym in Shirley which specialises in mixed martial arts where he encouraged youngsters coming through the ranks.

Manager Dean Kendall said: "He was a happy-go-lucky guy who was a lovely fellow.

"I am just so shocked that he is gone.

"A lot of people come into the gym and there are youngsters coming through that need guidance.

"Micky was one of those older guys who had lots of stories to tell and had a lot more knowledge and would want to help them out.

"He was into fitness and kept himself in good shape."

He hailed him as a "family man" and said: "I feel absolutely gutted for his family. I met his youngest daughter and he had a really strong bond with her.

" I feel gutted for her and that is the saddest part. I just hope the police get to the bottom of what happened."

Mo Abdurahman, 20, a promising Thai Boxer training there, added: "Everyone is so shocked that it just hasn't seemed to sink in yet.

"He helped me a lot and always wanted to give people guidance and advice. He had an infectious laugh. Every time he laughed everyone else would end up laughing too."

Other friends took to social media to express their shock.

Sara Abbot wrote: "Still trying to get me head around yesterdays horrible news. I knew him to be a lovely, cheeky, funny and kind person to work with. Can't imagine how his family and friends are feeling. RIP Micky; you'll be missed!"

Tracey Miller wrote: "We'll miss you brother you had a heart of gold you will be missed love you bruv."

Last night the multiple-occupancy house remained taped off by police who have obscured the building's windows with black tarpaulin and have also set up a marquee in the front garden a they continue to comb the building His body was found at 2.15pm on Friday where Mr Freshwater's body was found shortly after a "dispute" broke out, police say.

A post mortem revealed he had sustained a fatal stab wound - but police have yet to disclose the nature of the weapon.

Police have been investigating possible links with an incident when a woman was mauled by a dog outside the house a fortnight ago.

The property features five self-contained rooms and three men and a woman are believed to have been living there - who have all been moved to temporary accommodation.

Extra patrols were also launched throughout the weekend to reassure residents, although the force has stressed it is an "isolated incident".

A 35-year-old man previously arrested on suspicion of murder was released without charge.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Major Crime Investigation Team at Southampton Central police station on 101, quoting Operation Windless, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.