Tributes have poured in after the body of a man was found in a property in Blackburn town centre.

While police have not confirmed the identity of the man, he has been named by friends as Kyeran Morrison, landlord of The Blackburn Times pub in Northgate.

Mr Morrison, 36, was found dead on Tuesday night, in the pub which he had run for the last seven years with his former partner, Leanne Morrison.

The pub underwent a major £150,000 revamp almost two years ago, but was forced to close last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Tributes to Mr Morrison have poured in on social media, with friend, Tom Linklater writing: "It is with great sadness that I regret to inform people of the passing of my friend Kyeran Morrison.

"I'm writing this out of respect for my friend.

"He was a genuine man who had a heart of gold, he helped anybody and was a gentle giant.

"Kyeran was found yesterday by his best friend in his pub after taking his own life.

"This is devastating to me and the people that knew him well and were close to him.

"He wasn't just my training partner, he wasnt just my competition buddy, he was my friend who I respected, trusted and cared for greatly.

"People like Kyeran don't come around alot so we should cherish them while they are here, because now he is gone and I will never get to see him again, talk to him again, train with him again.

"My heart is broken and I will miss him everyday.

"Rest in peace my friend Kyeran, you big daft bugger."

Posting on Facebook, a spokesperson for the Blackburn Times said: "We are saddened to hear of the death of Kyeran.

"Our thoughts are with Kyeran’s family and friends who have our deepest sympathy."

A spokesperson for the Bees Knees in Blackburn said: "It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the passing of Kyeran Morrison.

"A great friend to us all here.

"One of the nicest men to have welcomed us into the town.

"A true gent and friend who will be deeply missed by us all.

"We were lucky to have got to have known such an amazing person.

"Times Bar and Blackburn won’t be the same without you.

"R.I.P Kyeran. We are thinking of all his family and friends at this sad time."

A spokesperson for Robertos, also in Blackburn town centre said: "It is with great sadness that we have learnt of the passing of Kyeran Morrison.

"A gentle giant gone way too soon. R.I.P Kyeran.

"Thinking of all his family and friends at this sad time."

Police confirmed they were called to the Times Bar just after 7pm on Tuesday.

A spokesperson for the police said: "We were called at 7.12pm on Tuesday to reports of a sudden death at a property in Northgate, Blackburn.

"When emergency services have arrived a man in his 30s has sadly been found deceased.

"His death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be passed onto HM Coroner in due course."