THE grief stricken mother of Anthony Leecy who was found dead in a town centre brook has told of her shock at the murder of a man "who wouldn't have hurt a fly."

Police today launched door to door inquiries into the death of "gentle giant" Anthony, 29, of Standen Road, Clitheroe, whose body was discovered by a dog-walker in a section of Mearley Brook running through a field off the town's Inner Bypass at about 7am yesterday.

Heartbroken parents, Ann and Tony, told how they passed the spot where the body was found on their way to work without realising their son was dead.

The busy road was sealed off while police officers and frogmen conducted a fingertip search of the area and today house to house inquiries were being launched.

Police were expected to reveal further details at a press conference today after a post mortem carried out by a Home Office pathologist revealed the cause of death as head injuries.

Ann Leecy said Anthony was "an ideal son who wouldn't have hurt a fly."

"I passed the crime scene on the way to work and had no idea what was going on. I just can't believe it was Anthony. I hope he died quickly and didn't suffer." she said. Shocked neighbours have also paid tribute to the popular man, nicknamed Humphrey since childhood by friends, who worked as a cloth inspector at Thornber's Mill in the town.

Simone Taylor, of Mearley Brook Fold, said: "He was a gentle giant, quiet and friendly. I just can't believe it."

Janet Jeffries, of Mayfield Avenue, said Anthony was "one of the nicest guys in town."

"He adored the local kids. There was nothing he wouldn't do for them. We are all so shocked," she said.

Thornber's Mill foreman Alan Parker said workers were stunned at news of the death of Anthony who was six feet four inches tall.

"He was a hard worker and popular. His colleagues have taken it hard. They are very upset," he said.

DS Mike Arnold said: "We urgently need to find out what happened to Anthony and are asking anyone with information to come forward. We are not clear about his movements on Wednesday night and are trying to piece together his last hours."

Police have set up an incident room at Clitheroe Police Station and anyone with information should ring 01200 443344 or the freephone Crimestoppers number 0800 555111.

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