Police Name Hampshire Murder Victim

Police investigating a murder outside a pub have named the victim who his family said was a non-violent and loving family man.

Ray Dibbs, 36, of West Heath Road, Farnborough was found with a head injury outside the Old Courthouse pub in Cove Road, Farnborough, on Saturday evening.

He was taken to hospital but pronounced dead on Sunday afternoon.

The businessman lived with his partner Rachel and their two children Harley, three, and Lily, 10, and Rachel's son Zack, 17.

In a statement she said: ''Ray was a loving partner. He loved his children Harley and Lily and he also loved my eldest son Zack.

''He was a really good friend to all his friends, who worked hard and was a very good businessman.

''I just miss him so much.''

Mr Dibbs' mother and father Roland and Sophia added:

''We are absolutely devastated and this has come as a huge shock to us. We cannot understand how this has happened. Ray was not a violent person or likely to get into any fights.

''He was a very successful businessman who worked hard all his life and has never been out of work. He was very popular and well liked.

''He was also a very good modern father who didn't mind changing nappies and getting involved in bringing up his children.

''Ray's family would like to thank all their friends for their support at this difficult time.''

A 37-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death and continues to be questioned, a Hampshire Police spokeswoman said.

Detective Chief Inspector Tim Rowlandson said:

''This appears to be a tragic death of a man who has been described as a loving partner and father, a loyal friend and a committed businessman.

''We are doing all we can to accurately establish the chain of events that led to Ray's death.

''I would ask for anyone who was near the pub on Saturday evening and saw anything but hasn't yet spoken to us to contact us as soon as possible.''