THE family of a building contractor beaten to death by a gang in an unprovoked attack today paid tribute to "the nicest man you could ever hope to meet."

Frank Buckley, of Burnside Avenue, Irlam, Swinton, was attacked at bus stops in Chorley Road, near Swinton Civic Centre on Saturday March 13. He died from his injuries a week later. Detectives have launched a murder hunt and say the attack may be linked to an earlier incident in Yates' Wine Lodge.

Mr Buckley's wife, Christina, aged 42, said today: "He was a loving husband, a father of two lovely boys and very hard working."