THE youngest children of a man who died following a row on an Oxford estate penned touching tributes to their father last night.

James and Lucy Cox, of Pegasus Road, Blackbird Leys, described their dad David Cox as “really fun” and remembered times when he took them shopping and to Hinksey outdoor pool.

They wrote the tributes for the Oxford Mail as detectives last night tried to piece together how the kitchen porter died.

Mr Cox, 56, of Asquith Road, was found unconscious on a grassy area off Ashhurst Way, in Rose Hill, about 2.30am on Saturday.

It is believed he was involved in some sort of dispute moments before he collapsed.

He died about 12 hours later at Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital.

Mr Cox worked as a kitchen porter at Exeter College, in Turl Street, Oxford. He had six children, and James and Lucy were his youngest.

Twelve-year-old James, who goes to Oxford Academy, wrote: “He was a good Dad, he was very nice, a very good artist.

“He was good at making things. He was really fun, he was good at cooking.

“He always took us to town into some shops. He has a good job. He has a good attitude. He bought us lots of nice things. He took us to Hinksey.”

His younger sister Lucy, seven, a pupil at Pegasus Primary School, wrote: “He had a good job. He had a good attitude. I liked all of the things that he bought.

“He always bought me stuff like a picnic basket and he took me and my brother to Hinksey swimming pool.

“He was helpful to everyone. He was strong because he had muscles and he was fun at games.

“He took me everywhere. He was good at making things.”

Pathologists were last night carrying out a post mortem examination to find out more about how Mr Cox died.

A 23-year-old man, a 20-year-old man, and two 17-year-old boys who were arrested on Saturday on suspicion of manslaughter are on police bail until Saturday, July 24.

Det Chief Insp Colin Paine said: “People are understandably very upset about what has happened, which is a natural reaction following a tragedy.

“But it hasn’t resulted in any trouble for us and we are working very closely with the victim’s family and community.

“What is most important is that a full and thorough investigation into the tragic death takes place, and that’s what is most likely to help deal with the rumours that have been spreading about this.”

The Rector of Exeter College Frances Cairncross said: “We were saddened to hear of the tragic death of David Cox.

“David had worked for Exeter College for almost three years.

“He was a loyal and well-liked member of the kitchen staff, and was described by colleagues as a very good team player. He will be sadly missed.”

Officers have been stepping up patrols in Rose Hill.

Anyone with information can call Mr Paine on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.