TRIBUTES have been paid to a “kind-hearted” man found dead in a flat.

Residents have paid tribute to the 29-year-old man whose body was found in a flat at Omaha Close, Fareham on Monday.

Police launched a murder investigation and said the man appeared to have injuries to his back.

The identity of the victim has not been revealed yet, but residents at Omaha Close said he was a “kind-hearted” lad.

A local resident, who did not want to be named, added: “I don’t think he would have harmed anyone. He was lovely and polite. I last saw him on Friday.”

The resident said police officers used to visit the flat every week and an officer was seen at the property on Monday morning.

“I told him he was probably sleeping. Then more police officers arrived, they smashed the window and got inside. Then I found out from the news that he was found dead,” the resident added.

Neighbours said several police officers remained at the scene on Monday. More officers were also seen scouring the area yesterday, searching bushes, bins and bikes storage areas and manhole covers.

A forensics team and paramedics were also seen at the scene.

Lizzie Harris, 25, healthcare support worker, lives at Omaha Close and said she does not know the victim. But added: “My bedroom shares the wall with his living room and sometimes if his phone rang I could hear it. I’m sure if there was a commotion I could have heard that, if I was in. We didn’t hear anything.”

Police confirmed that enquiries are ongoing to establish what happened to the man and no arrests were made when the Daily Echo went to press. The force also said the man’s family has been informed and is supported by specialist officers.

Local residents were left in shock and said to be concerned. Fareham District Commander Chief Inspector Sharon Woolrich said: “The investigation team are following up a number of active lines of enquiry and I would encourage anyone with information which could help to contact us. I know there may be some concern among the wider Fareham community about this incident. My team will be doing all they can to provide visible reassurance.”