THE parents of an East Yorkshire man found stabbed to death outside his home have spoken of their heartbreak.
Dale Partington's body was discovered on Sunday morning.
His family had last seen him before he set off for a night out with friends on Saturday night.
Dale, 27, who worked locally as a bricklayer after securing an apprenticeship through Goole College, lived all his life in Snaith, near Goole.
His family are extremely well-known and well-liked.
Dale's mum, June, who herself grew up and went to school in the area, said: "Talking about Dale in the past tense just feels wrong.
"To say I miss him is an understatement.
"Dale was an extremely kind-hearted and lovable son.
"His family were everything to him, always making us smile, laugh and generally being full of joy."
Dale's parents were separated and he divided his time between his mum's in Snaith and his dad's in Rawcliffe.
Mrs Partington said: "Dale lived at home with me and in Rawcliffe, and everything in the house reminds me of him.
"My son was incredibly skilled with his hands. Being a bricklayer, there wasn't much he couldn't turn his hand to.
"He had recently transformed my garden, built a shed, laid the patio and built a wall for me.
"Only a few weeks ago, Dale bought me a puppy because he knew how much I missed having a dog around the house.
"To come to terms with the fact my son is never going to walk through the door with his cheeky smile and tell me all about his day is breaking my heart."
The quiet streets around Mrs Partington's home in St Lawrence Avenue, Snaith, outside which her son's body was discovered, are home to a tight-knit community.
They have been quick to rally round.
Mrs Partington said: "I would like to sincerely thank the whole community for their support and the amount of cards and flowers received by well-wishers has been enormous.
"From all the family, we are eternally grateful to everyone who has offered their shoulders to cry on, an ear to listen and love which we have all received and do appreciate."
Dale's dad, Jimmy, said: "Dale was not just my son but my best friend, we did so much together.
"Snaith and the surrounding area will be a sad place now Dale is no longer here. Everyone knew and loved him.
"Dale liked the good things in life; partying, socialising and working hard.
"He had so many close friends and was instantly liked by anyone who spoke to him.
"The sorrow and emptiness our family feel is unbearable. We are utterly devastated.
"I would do anything to bring my boy back."
As well as his parents, Dale has left an older brother, Adam, older sister, Stella and younger sisters Michaela and Gemma, along with his young niece and nephew and other extended family.
Following the discovery of his body on Sunday morning, three people have been arrested.
Leon Rushworth, 37, of Chestnut Close, Snaith, has been charged with murder.
He appeared at Beverley Magistrates' Court yesterday and was remanded in custody to appear at Hull Crown Court on Friday.
Two other people, a 25-year-old man and a 46-year-old woman, both from the Snaith area, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and perverting the course of justice.
Police have been undertaking a detailed forensic examination of the property in St Lawrence Avenue.
The road was cordoned off while scenes of crime specialists carried out their work.
Dale had been out in both Selby and Snaith on the night before he was killed. Police are appealing for information from anyone who may have seen him in Snaith Market Place.
Anyone who has any information they feel could assist the police, or who was in and around Snaith Market Place or St Lawrence Avenue in the late evening and early hours of Saturday and Sunday, should call Humberside Police on 101, quoting log 197 of December 16.
