TRIBUTES have been paid to a Devizes man who died after an assault last weekend. 

Wayne Sheppard, 44, of Waiblingen Way, Devizes, was taken to hospital on Saturday night following a suspected assault. He died this morning

In a short tribute today, his family said: “Our dear son Wayne has passed away peacefully at Great Western Hospital on the July 8. 

"He was such a lovely son and father and always a happy go lucky bloke. He always helped out other people and he will be missed by us all.”

Darren Fell, 39, of Hewitt Court, New Park Court, appeared at Salisbury Magistrates Court earlier this week charged with Grievous Bodily Harm with intent in connection with this incident. He was remanded in custody until his next appearance at Salisbury Crown Court on August 5.

A murder investigation has now been launched and is being led by the Brunel Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT).