POLICE are investigating the murder of a 50-year-old Cirencester man found dead at his Swindon flat.

Terrance Curtis, who moved into his new home two weeks ago, was discovered at 11pm on Tuesday.

The father-of-three, who had lived in the Beeches area of Cirencester and had just left his job at M&J Seafood, in Love Lane, had suffered head injuries and died later that night at Great Western Hospital.

Two Swindon men, aged 24 and 25, arrested on suspicion of murder, have been released on bail pending further inquiries, although Wiltshire Police refused to say when they had been bailed until.

Spokesman Sam Edwards said: "We're still trying to establish the circumstances surrounding the death.

"Approximately 15 officers are working on the investigation with a major incident room set up in Gable Cross, Swindon. Forensics have finished at the house and door-to-door inquiries will be continuing."

Mr Curtis's brother John said the family were too upset to talk about the tragedy.

Friend Roly Hughes, who attended Cirencester Deer Park School with Mr Curtis, called him a "fun-loving man".

Mr Hughes, a Cirencester town councillor, said: "Terry always had a smile on his face and was a popular guy.

"I was only talking to him a few weeks ago in the Black Horse at Cirencester and I'm shocked by this news.

"He had three sons and adored his family, doting on his new granddaughter.

"As a boy, he was sporty and football-mad. I used to be barman at The Bear, in Cirencester, and he came in there with his son Matthew, as they both worked together, or his younger boy Danny.

"Terry used to like fishing and used to play for a skittle team at the old Royal Oak in Gloucester Street called The Bionic 9."

Matt Helm worked with Mr Curtis at M&J Seafood.

He said: "I knew him very well – he was a very hard worker.

"Whatever he did, he did wholeheartedly. I'd known Terry before working with him, we'd met socially and we just seemed to click.

"He was a great bloke.

"He treated people fairly and liked to be treated fairly in return."

Mr Curtis was found dead at his flat in Westcott Place, Kingshill. Anyone with any information should contact Wiltshire Police on 0845 408 7000.