POLICE have confirmed that the 82-year-old man discovered dead at his home in Walkley Hill on Friday was widower Dennis Plater.

Officers are treating his death as murder and a 47-year-old Stroud man currently remains in police custody in connection with the case.

In a statement Mr Plater's family said: "Dennis Plater was a beloved husband, father, brother and grandfather.

"Dennis and his wife Mary moved to Stroud in 2004 to be closer to their daughter and her family and they had come to call it home.

"Dennis enjoyed crafts, tapestry and was most happy tinkering with his model railway.

"It is incomprehensible that we have lost Dennis in this way, and the family would like to ask that you respect our privacy at this difficult time.

"We thank all the Gloucestershire Police force for their hard work, help and support."

The family continues to be supported by a family liaison officer.

Anyone with information about this case should call 101, quoting incident 126 of November 7.