GRIEVING relatives have spoken of their devastation following the sudden death of a 43-year-old man.

Peter Greene, of Beaconsfield Drive, Blurton, died at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire on Monday morning.

He had gone to hospital hours after being involved in an altercation with a group of men in a Blurton street.

Police have this week ruled that the minor injuries suffered by Mr Greene in the street altercation cannot be linked to his death.

In a statement, Mr Greene's partner, Kara Augunoby, said:

"The family is absolutely devastated.

"Peter was the best thing that ever happened to me and my two eldest children.

"He was a great dad to them, and our own two children.

"He was my soul mate and love of my life, a gentle giant who would never hurt a fly."

Detectives investigating the street altercation have arrested three men.

They have been bailed until February.

A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: "More tests now need to be carried out to establish the exact cause of Mr Greene's death.

"Officers are preparing a report for the coroner."