FLORAL tributes cover the shutter to a barber shop in Earlestown, marking the death of its owner.

Trevor Gaskill died outside a house on Houghton Close just after midnight last Thursday.

The 39-year-old's death has prompted a police investigation and a man has been arrested.

Late night pub goers who had spent the evening in the Houghton Arms walked outside to find the victim already on the floor in Houghton Close.

Merseyside Police closed off the street for a number of hours while they investigated.

Mr Gaskill was a popular and well-known character in Earlestown and ran Trevor's Barbers, opposite Earlestown Market, on Stanley Street.

Among the messages left outside the shop was one that said: "To a wonderful brother who we loved dearly and will miss very much. You will never be forgotten. All our love Denise, Karen, Adam, May, Angela, Kelly, Rebecca and Paul."

Police have yet to reveal how Mr Gaskill died after post mortem results were withheld pending further inquiries.

A 40-year-old man from Haydock was arrested on suspicion of murder. He has now been released on conditional bail pending further inquiries.

vicki.stockman@guardiangrp.co.uk