THE family of an 89-year-old whose death has sparked a murder investigation have paid tribute to a "cherished" and "strong" man.

They say that Frederick Burge, who was found dead in his home in Glastonbury, will be dearly missed.

Police are treating his death in a home off George Street on Sunday (February 26) as suspicious, with Avon and Somerset Police's Major Crime Investigation Team carrying out a murder probe.

Mr Burge leaves two children, seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

His family continue to be supported by specially trained liaison officers.

In a joint tribute, the family said: “Frederick Burge was well-known in Glastonbury.

"It was impossible to walk through the town with him and his dog without getting stopped by someone he knew.

“He was a loving, kind and charming man and a huge hole has been left in our hearts by his sudden passing.

“He was the best dad, grandad, great-grandad and great-great-grandad in the world, and we will miss him sorely.

“We take some comfort in knowing he is up in heaven with his late wife, Marina, and he is looking down on us and we know he would want us to be strong.

"We will look back on the cherished memories of the time we had together with fondness, and we will treasure these always.

“He had so many interests and loves, including home cooking, his family, his animals and gardening.

"We would regularly be sent home with bags upon bags of rhubarb and there was always a dog in the house.

“His friendly smile would light up any room he was in and we will miss seeing that smile every day.

“We love you dad, grandad, ‘granf’ – we will never forget you and we will be strong in your memory.”

READ MORE: Police name dead man as murder probe continues.