TRIBUTES have been paid to a Hampshire firefighter found hanged at his own fire station.

Retained firefighter Robert Beazley was found dead at Lymington Fire Station.

The 22-year-old, from High Street, Lymington, had been arrested and interviewed the previous day in connection with an alleged assault.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has launched an investigation into the death last Friday.

It is thought that Mr Beazley was arrested following an argument with his girlfriend.

After spending several hours in custody, Mr Beazley was released early on Friday morning.

However, after failing to appear at his home he was reported missing shortly after 4.20am.

Police carried out a search of various areas, and his car was spotted at Lymington Fire Station where officers found Mr Beazley's body. He was pronounced dead at 6.05am.

Paying tribute, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service's Chief Officer John Bonney said Mr Beazley's death was a huge loss to the service.

He said: "It was with regret that Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service learned of the death of off-duty firefighter Robert Beazley last week.

"Rob served as a firefighter at Lymington Fire Station for two-and-a-half years.

"Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service has been offering support to his family as well as crew member colleagues. Our thoughts are with Rob's family and his colleagues.

"His death is a huge loss to his family as well as Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, and the community he served."

David Petch, IPCC commissioner for Hampshire, said: "We will examine why he was arrested, his period in custody and whether procedures were followed."

An inquest into Mr Beazley's death was opened and adjourned yesterday.