TRIBUTES have been paid to a former New Forest cricketer whose death has sparked a murder investigation.
Father of one Thomas ‘Tommy’ Lee Barton, 30, was pronounced dead following an incident in Park Road on the Isle of Wight on Sunday, May 28.
Two men and one woman have been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with his death.
Tommy played for Lymington Cricket Club’s first XI from 2007 to 2011, making Echo headlines in 2009 when he scored a triple century while playing for Ryde Cavaliers.
He was also man-of-the-match for Lymington in the 2009 Southern Electric T20 Cup final against Ventnor under the Ageas Bowl floodlights.
As reported by the Isle of Wight County Press, he played in the Ventnor’s first XI this season.
Following his death, his family have paid an emotional tribute to him.
They said: “We are completely shattered at the loss of Tommy. He was a father, a son, a brother, an uncle and a friend to many.
“He has been stolen from us and we are completely heartbroken. He will miss out on so much of life, particularly seeing his beloved daughter grow up.
“The world is quieter without him in it and we will never fully recover. We are grateful for the support and love that we have received and hope you will all remember him as he was - a caring and generous man that lived his life to the maximum.
“We ask that you please respect our privacy at this time.”
A 27-year-old man from Sandown, 27-year-old man from Ryde and 24-year-old woman from Shanklin have each been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Hampshire Police said: “They remain in custody today following a warrant of further detention being granted by the court. This allows the investigation team up to a further 32 hours to continue their enquiries whilst the suspects remain detained.
“As our investigation progresses, we would like to hear from anyone we have not yet spoken to who has information that may assist our enquiries, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem.”
Anyone with information should call 101, quoting the reference 44230211028.
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