TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved father-of-two who died following a fight in a pub.

The 51-year-old, was known in Hindley by the nickname ‘Baggo’.

He has been described in social media posts as "a legend and a true gent".

He died following an incident at the Georgia Brown’s pub on Market Street in Hindley on Saturday night.

A 27-year-old, who was arrested on suspicion of murder, has been released with no further action.

On Facebook the pub said that it was closed as a mark of respect for a "lovely guy".

In a statement on Facebook, Mat Unsworth wrote: "The family are devastated by the passing of 'our' Nick / Baggo last night.

"All your comments, well wishes and messages of condolences are greatly appreciated and offer some comfort for how well liked, loved and respected he was ... A true 'Hindley Legend' in his own right.

"Our Nick leaves behind two beautiful daughters, a loving family and a town full of friends.

"We would like to ask that you respect our privacy and allow the family to come to terms with our loss and grief at this time."

Hundreds of messages followed.

Mandy Carter wrote: "So so sorry for your loss he was a lovely man sending you all our love and sincere condolences to all your family." 

Police were called to the scene at around 11.30pm on Saturday following 999 reports of an assault. The man’s family have been informed although formal identification has not yet taken place.

Alison Dowling added: "So sad, he was a lovely man R.I.P Baggo."

Paul Ashurst added: "Shocking news a lovely bloke who doesn't deserve to be taken away from us so soon rip Baggo a true gentleman."

An exact cause of death is still to be established.

Chief Superintendent Phil Davies appealed for witnesses to come forward yesterday, Monday.

He said: “This is such a sad situation, an absolute tragedy. My thoughts are with the man’s family at this devastating time.

Our specialist support officers are with them to support them.

"While we are not searching for anyone else in connection with this incident, we are appealing for witnesses to come forward to let us know what they saw. This was a busy pub on a Saturday night, we need to speak to anyone who was in the pub and saw what happened.”

Call police on 0161 856 7182, 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.