FRIENDS and former work colleagues of Anthony Marsh described him as “a family man who did nothing but talk about his kids”.

Staff at The Happy Cheese pub in Ashurst, where Marsh had worked as a trainee manager, were “shocked and devastated”

that police were naming him as the prime suspect in the murders of his partner and their ten-month-old daughter.

Barman Tom Hall, 24, of Ashurst, had been friends with the couple since they worked together at Bartley Lodge Hotel where they met.

He said: “Anthony was always talking about his kids and how proud he was of them. When I was at Bartley Lodge I was quite close to both of them.

Stephanie was always very outgoing and bubbly and seemed happy in every way, in her life and her relationship.

“Anthony was the same, easy to get on well with, happy and always on top form. I just couldn’t believe it when we heard the news. I can’t believe this could happen.

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“It is really upsetting this has happened to people who were so nice. I’m absolutely devastated.”

Carrie White, 23, of Totton, went to Hounsdown School and Brockenhurst College with Anthony.

She tearfully recounted her memories. She said: “When we were younger he was always really laid back, nothing ever bothered him. He always had lots of friends but didn’t really seem interested in girls.

“He was really happy-go-lucky in those days.

“When I met him again at work he was a bit different, a bit more stressed but I put that down to being a dad.

“He was always talking about Stephanie and the kids, he would hardly ever come out after work because he wanted to go home and spend his time with them.

“Anthony could be quiet, you know, in himself. This is so tragic and crazy. I can’t believe it”

The Happy Cheese landlady, Joanne Williams, said customers and staff were “traumatised”

by the unfolding drama.

She said: “He was a model employee until he left. He started off as a chef and was promoted to trainee manager. He was professional and courteous to fellow employees and customers.

“My thoughts are with the families of those involved, they are the ones who matter now.

“It is very upsetting for everyone who knew him and the mood in the pub is very flat.”

Yesterday, the Daily Echo revealed that only weeks ago Marsh appeared in court accused of stealing more than £2,000 from The Happy Cheese.

He admitted a charge of theft from his employer and was sentenced to a 12-month community supervision order and told to repay £200 in compensation.