TRIBUTES have been paid tonight to a 43-year-old man whose death has prompted a murder investigation.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses after the man was attacked and died at a house in Shirley Terrace on Friday evening.

He was named locally as father-of-two Dave Butterfield, also known as Dave Butts to family and friends.

The Hightown Club, in Liversedge, where Mr Butterfield was a regular, led the tributes.

A spokeswoman said: “Dave was a lovely person, such a pleasure to speak to and he lit up the room when he came into the club.

“He will be truly missed, all our locals are destroyed and it’s left an empty space in everyone’s life.

“He had a smile like a Cheshire Cat, a lovely, lovely man. Rest in peace.”

Tributes were also paid on social media sites.

One said: “RIP Dave your cheesy grin, stories and your general entertainment with your jokes and card tricks etc will be greatly missed.”

Another said: “I can’t contemplate what his children are going through. Through the tears we will remember you. RIP Dave Butts.”

Police conducting the murder investigation were today dredging drains in Spen Lane.

Neighbours said they had also been searching undergrowth, and had told onlookers they were looking for a weapon.

Shirley Terrace remained cordoned off today, as did a nearby ginnel leading to Butts Hill.

According to neighbours, the semi-detached house at the centre of the investigation belongs to Mr Butterfield’s girlfriend, hairdresser Michelle Spencer.

Officers were first called to the address shortly after 6.30pm on Friday.

Police said they found a 43-year-old man who had been attacked.

“The man was treated by paramedics but was pronounced deceased at the scene,” a spokesman said.

Detectives are appealing to anyone who was in the Shirley Terrace area at 6.30pm on Friday, or who has any information about the incident, to contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team via 101.

A 47-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of murder remains in police custody.

Magistrates in Leeds today granted the police a further 36 hours to question her.

A 26-year-old man, who had also been arrested, has been released on bail.