The family of an Aylesbury father who died after an assault have said memories of him will be treasured deep in their hearts forever.
Mark Austin, of Coxhill Way, was assaulted at a house in Harcourt Green in the early hours of January 31 and died the following day at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.
A 49-year-old man arrested shortly after the incident on suspicion of GBH has been sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
Police have appealed for anyone who saw a dark coloured Volkswagen Passat private hire vehicle near the scene of the assault between 11pm last Wednesday and 1am or in the Arundel Green area between 12.15am and 1.20am on January 31. They would also like to speak to anyone who saw Mr Austin, 53, on the day of the incident or the days leading up to it.
His family said: “Nurses and doctors at Stoke Mandeville Hospital fought relentlessly for over 36 hours to save his life. Sadly due to the extent of his injuries we knew it was his time. We kissed him, said our goodbyes and held his hand while he began his climb up the wooden hill to meet Jesus in all his glory and spend eternity with our beloved nanny and grampy.
“As we all know, Marky was partial to a few drinkies, but he was a kind man with a big heart and never had a bad word to say about anyone.
“Mark was a talented musician and loved to play along to bands such as Slade, Jimi Hendrix, Gary Moore, Journey and the great James Taylor.
“Memories of our boy will be treasured deep in the depths of our heart forever. He leaves behind a loving family and his legacy will continue through his daughter Nicole and his five beautiful grandsons. Good night, sleep tight Marky, we love you brother, son, uncle and father.”
One of Mr Austin’s neighbours said they heard some shouting around the time of the incident, while others expressed shock at what had happened.
Jamil Mohammed, who lives nearby, said: “The police were here when I came back from work at about 1.45am. It’s very shocking to hear someone died. This area is very quiet normally. There’s been no trouble before.”
Det Ch Insp Kevin Brown, who is leading the investigation, said: “The investigation is ongoing and we are continuing to appeal for anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the Harcourt Green area around the time of the incident to come forward.”
Mr Austin was white, 5ft 11ins, of slim build, with short dark hair with grey flecks.
Contact police on 101 with information or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
