TRIBUTES have been paid to a bridegroom who died after falling into a Liverpool dock on his stag party.

Father-of-one Dale Joint, aged 24, died after hitting his head while jumping near moored boats in the Salthouse Dock in Liverpool on Saturday night.

He had been out celebrating at some of the popular bars in the Albert Dock with two friends, also from Leigh.

Mr Joint, who worked at Asda in Leigh, fell into the water between two boats and hit his head but did not surface, his family said.

Firefighters were able to rescue two of the men from the dock near to the Liverpool Arena but Mr Joint's body was recovered after an "extensive" search, police said.

He was taken to Royal Liverpool University Hospital but was pronounced dead.

Tracy Forrest, people manager of Asda, paid tribute to the father on behalf of his colleagues.

She said: "Dale was a valued member of the team, well-loved by colleagues and customers alike. He was a bright family man who loved his football, and was very popular with colleagues. He will be sadly missed; our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."

Mr Joint is believed to have been due to get married to his fiance, Katie Marie McNamara, in the next two weeks.

The Bolton News approached Miss McNamara but she was too upset to speak.

His aunt, Gaynor Isherwood, said on Facebook: "Taken too early the much loved soulmate of Katie and amazing father to Amelia. Our darling and funny nephew. Can't believe it. Heartbroken. Tragic. Love you to heaven and back."

She added: "Dale was on his stag do in Liverpool, due to be married in two weeks. He thought he was jumping onto something near the boats but slipped in between and hit his head and never came up again."

Mr Joint's football team, Leigh Genesis, also paid tribute to him.

On social media, Twitter user @JonnyD23 said: "Minute silence at football today for a former team mate, work colleague and good friend. Rest in peace pal, thoughts with the Joint family."

Liverpool Coroners court said they are still waiting for the results from a post mortem examination but it is likely that an inquest date will be set.

Merseyside Police have launched an investigation, and is appealing for witnesses.

A spokesman said: "Merseyside Police can confirm that the 24-year-old man who died following an incident at Salthouse Dock on Saturday, 22 August 2015, is Dale Joint."

Anyone with information is being asked to call Merseyside Police on 0151 777 4065.