Tributes have been paid to a “true friend and hero” at the centre of an ongoing murder investigation.

Tanyaradzwa Julius Matera, known to his family as Julius, was found dead at the age of 43 after police search the area around Great Cheetham Street, Salford on Thursday December 7.

Two men were arrested at the scene, with another arrested later on, all on suspicion of murder and all released on bail pending further investigation.

A statement “A tribute to a true friend and hero in our lives, our family will never be the same after the unfortunate and abrupt ending to the life of Tanyaradzwa Julius Matera.

“Tanyaradzwa was always our template for the qualities of love, empathy and humility.

“He showed us how to smile all the time and we feel robbed.”

Further tributes have been paid from the Zimbabwean community, where Mr Matera was a much loved and admired figure.

The tribute said: “We remember a loyal and caring man whose life has been taken away.

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“His contribution to the Manchester community covered all areas of politics, social entertainment, and community cohesion.”

Detectives are continuing their investigation and have appealed for anyone with any information, including CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage to contact them.

They can do so by calling 0161 856 3635, quoting log number 218 of 07/12/2023.

Alternatively, witnesses can call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.