TRIBUTES have been paid to a ‘lovely, lovely man’ with a ‘heart of gold’ who was stabbed to death.

Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit has begun a murder investigation after a man was found dead at a property in Howard Road, Banbury, last night.

Officers were called by South Central Ambulance Service at 11.46pm last night following reports that a man had been stabbed in the rear garden of a house.

The man, aged in his forties, was pronounced dead at the scene, despite the best efforts of paramedics.

He has now been named locally as Keith Green. 

The victim’s next of kin have been made aware and are being supported by specially trained officers.

Read again: Murder investigation launched after man found dead in Banbury

Paying respect to Keith Green online, Shelby Delaney wrote: “My dad did not deserve this, he was only 40. This is raw for us all. So please be respectful.”

Ian Cox added: “He was family, he was my brother, RIP Keith Green sorry for loss thinking of you [family] it’s going to take a long time to sink in.”

Emily Hazlewood said: “I can’t believe it, you was always here for me and my family. A lovely lovely man you will be very missed. I remember lots of great memories with you Keith Green always made us laugh and smile, such a lovely man with a heart of gold.”

Sarah North said: “Tragic, thoughts are with the family and friends of those involved. Rest in peace.”

A 24-year-old man from Banbury, and a 19-year-old man from Hook Norton have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in police custody at this time.

The 19-year-old has also been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.