TRIBUTES were paid last night to the disabled man who was beaten to death in an alley behind a Darlington town centre pub.

Stephen Humphries, 53, was described as being a "gentle, lovely" man who had severe learning difficulties that left him unable to read or write.

He was single and lived in sheltered accommodation in Yarm Road, Darlington, after moving to the town several years ago from Stockton. He is believed to have had relatives on Teesside.

Mr Humphries' battered body was found in an alley behind the Nags Head pub on Thursday night.

Three youths who were passing through St Cuthbert's churchyard and two members of staff from the pub saw a small fire - believed to have been items of clothing - in the alley at about 7.30pm, and stumbled across the body.

Mr Humphries was pronounced dead at the scene and a post-mortem examination revealed he died from severe head injuries.

Mr Humphries frequented several town centre pubs and was said to have worked as a glass collector in Hogans bar, in Victoria Road, some years ago. He had recently become a member of Riley's Snooker Club, in Bondgate.

Friends said he had been in a serious car accident several years ago - which was said to have been the cause of his disability - and was also involved in another road accident in 1999, when he was hit by a drink-driver in North Road, Darlington, leaving him with a broken leg and head injuries.

Yesterday, one regular in the Nags Head said: "Stevie was spot on, just a really good lad. He never caused anyone any problems.

"He wouldn't hurt a fly, totally harmless he was.

"He was on a bit of a downer, though, and just kept himself to himself in the pub.

"But Stevie was well known round the town. Maybe not everyone knew his name, but a lot of people would know him just to say hello to.

"I know everyone would say he was a really canny lad. It's just horrible to think of what's happened."

A barmaid in the pub said: "He was lovely, gentle as anything. I wouldn't say I knew him well, I'm not sure many people did, but he would always say hello.

"He was well known round here and in the town centre.

"People who have been coming in here are shocked at what's happened."

Floral tributes were left at the scene last night and the alley remained cordoned off.

The surrounding area on Tubwell Row was reopened on Saturday night after forensic investigators left the scene.

Detective Inspector Harry Stephenson, who is leading the investigation, urged anyone who had been in the area at the time and had seen Mr Humphries to contact them.

He said: "His movements between 6pm and 8pm on Thursday have not yet been established, and I would appeal to anyone who may have seen or spoken to him to contact us."

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 0845 60 60 365, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

* A 17-year-old Darlington boy has been charged with Mr Humphries' murder. He appeared before Newton Aycliffe Youth Court on Saturday but entered no plea to the charge. The boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was remanded in custody. He will appear before Teesside Crown Court on Thursday.