Paul Lawrence was 'loved by all who knew him', his family said.
A grandfather who was found dead on a street in Littlehampton last Sunday was ‘loved by all who knew him’, his family has said.
Paul Lawrence, 51, was pronounced dead at around 6am on January 28 after he was found on Gladonian Road in the West Sussex seaside town.
A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder later the same day, but he has been released on bail with strict conditions – including a curfew – until March 14.
Several members of Paul’s family paid tribute to him through Sussex Police.
His daughters Louise and Josephine described him as a ‘family man’ who had ‘devoted his life to his children and grandchildren and was immensely proud of everything they achieved’.
They added: ‘Paul was a true representation of what every man should be or should aspire to be. Kind, generous, and always laughing or smiling with the most reassuring smiley eyes.
‘Our Dad was our hero, our strength, our everything.
‘Not only has he lost out on special memories watching his grandchildren grow up; they have also had the best grandad in the world taken from them.’
They ended their statement by saying: ‘All we can hope for is justice.’
His step-daughter Chloe added: ‘I could go on for days about why Paul was such a special and endearing person, but his number one quality for me has to, and always will be, his ability to love me as his own.
‘It takes a great man to be a dad, but it takes an even greater man to be a step-dad.’
Paul’s brother John and sister Shelley said their ‘hearts are not only broken but they’re totally ripped apart’.
They added: ‘Paul was the kindest man that would help anyone. He would light up the darkest of rooms with his smile and cheeky laugh.
‘We are honoured to say that Paul Lawrence was our brother.
His mum Marie said: ‘I loved him so much, I can’t visualise this world without him.’
Sussex Police said there is currently no information to suggest a weapon was involved, and urged members of the public to refrain from speculating about the incident on social media.
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