The family of a former Merseyside Police officer who was stabbed to death have described him as a "true gentleman".
Andrew McDiarmid, known to his friends as Andy, died at a house on Oldfield Way in Heswall after sustaining critical injuries.
Officers were called to a property on Oldfield Way at around 8.45pm on Monday, January 24 and found Mr McDiarmid with serious injuries. He died at the scene.
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A post-mortem examination has been carried out and the cause of death has been confirmed as stab wounds.
The family of Mr McDiarmid said the former police officer his "love and kindness was genuine and sincere."
In a tribute, they said: "Andy was a true gentleman. He was always willing to help anyone in need.
"If you have happened to cross Andy in your life, then this loss will be a tragic blow. A loss felt by family, friends, and countless others.
"Andy enjoyed walking, cooking, a sketchy bit of DIY, and most of all pleasing others. His love and kindness was genuine and sincere.
"Andy had a herculean work ethic. He was motivated and devoted to a task. He served in the Merseyside Police for over 30 years. He truly loved his job and all those he worked with.
"This loss will leave a void in many people's lives. Fill it with love and happiness. It is what he would have wanted."
Neighbours in the leafy Wirral residential suburb spoke of their shock after the incident, with one man saying Mr McDiarmid was "a nice guy" and had retired from his job "quite recently."
He added: "They were very quiet and have lived there for 10 years. It's come as an absolute bolt from the blue.
"The police have also been round to ask if we know anything.
"I'm in a state of shock really, I don't know what else to say.
"It's completely unexpected and I'm struggling to understand what's happened."
An update released by Merseyside Police today said a 21-year-old man arrested at the scene has now been detained under the Mental Health Act and taken to hospital for assessment.
A 54-year-old woman has been released on bail as enquiries continue.
An investigation remains ongoing while extensive CCTV, house-to-house and forensic enquiries being carried out.
Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: “Andy joined Merseyside Police in 1978 and spent 30 years with the service, working at Wavertree police station and in CID in Tuebrook, Huyton and Wirral. He retired as a Detective Inspector in intelligence in 2008.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with Andy’s family at this tragic time.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police Contact Centre with reference 22000056993. You can also call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.
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