Dead man was in 'happiest period'

Mr McCarthy's family said he had recently attended a family Christening

The family of a man believed to have been murdered said he had recently been having "one of the happiest periods of his short life".

John McCarthy, 34, was found dead at his home in Daisy Mead, Waterlooville, on Friday.

Two men, aged 36 and 51, were held on suspicion of murder on Wednesday and are in custody. A 40-year-old man arrested on Monday has been bailed.

Mr McCarthy's family said they are "devastated by the cruel loss".

Treasured day

In a statement they said: "We are devastated by the cruel loss of a loving and caring son, brother, brother-in-law and uncle.

"At the time of his death, John was having one of the happiest periods of his short life and looking forward to the future."

They added he had attended his niece's Christening last weekend.

"The whole family were together and we will always treasure the day."

An investigation into Mr McCarthy's death was launched by police following a post-mortem examination.

Police have asked for anyone who saw Mr McCarthy on either Thursday or Friday to contact them.