THE wife of a Redditch man stabbed to death in Alcester on Saturday morning has paid tribute to her 'great and gentle man'.

Father-of-four Alexander Stephen Jones, 39, of Wishaw Close, Greenlands, was stabbed several times at about 1.30am in Bleachfield Street and died soon after arriving at the Alexandra Hospital.

His widow, Cathleen, said: "Alec was a devoted husband and father who lived and worked for his family.

"He enjoyed holidays with his family and close friends. He liked fishing and occasional games of golf with his friends.

"He would go out on special occasions and was happy to stay at home with his family, animals and friends.

"His sudden death is a tragedy. He will be missed by all who knew him, especially by me, his children and his parents.

"The family now wishes to be left alone to mourn the loss of a great and gentle man."

A post mortem carried out on Sunday revealed Mr Jones died from injuries caused by multiple wounds from a sharp weapon.

Police inquiries into the killing are continuing.

Two men, one aged 38, from Birmingham, and one aged 24, from Alcester, were arrested in the early hours of Saturday on suspicion of murder and are being questioned at Leamington police station.

They were both treated for lacerations to their hands and returned to custody on Sunday night.

A third man has been released on police bail.

Any witnesses are asked to call the incident room on 01926 415796 or Crimestppers on 0800 555 111.