The family of a father of two who died following an assault outside a pub in Dereham have said he was "taken far too soon" in a heartbreaking tribute. 

Michael O'Dwyer died on Sunday evening after an incident outside the Red Lion pub in Quebec Street 24 hours earlier.

In a statement, his family said: "Michael was a kind and gentle soul who always saw the best in people and wanted the best for them.

"He is greatly loved by his family and his many, many friends and that love will always remain.

"Michael adored his two sons and has been taken from them far too soon.”

Friends have described Mr O'Dwyer, also known as Michael Spooner, as "lovely" and "very sweet".

The incident happened outside the Red Lion in Quebec StreetThe incident happened outside the Red Lion in Quebec Street (Image: Google)

Mr O'Dwyer, who was in his 30s, was able to go to his home in Dereham after the incident.

However, paramedics were called to the address at around 5am on Sunday after his condition deteriorated, he was then rushed to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital where he later died.

A post-mortem examination held on Thursday found the provisional cause of death to be a traumatic head injury.

Tyrone Busch, 40, of Hall Road, Norwich, was arrested on suspicion of murder while he was at another pub seven miles away, the Beeston Ploughshare on Wednesday evening.

He appeared at Norwich Magistrates' Court earlier today to be charged with Mr O'Dwyer murder.

Police are continuing their appeal to the public for witnesses and anyone who may have information about the incident.

They should contact the Major Investigation Team quoting reference 36/52076/24.