THE family of a man who dropped dead after going to help a neighbour has paid tribute to a "kind and giving man who would help anyone at any time".

Grandfather David Cole, 59, collapsed and died at his Gosport home last Friday evening shortly after returning from helping a neighbour who had been locked out of her home.

Police launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death and confirmed they arrested and interviewed a 57-year-old Gosport man. He has since been released on police bail.

A statement issued on behalf of Mr Cole's family read: "Our father, father-in-law, beloved husband and grandfather was a very kind and giving man who would help anyone at any time.

He was well liked and respected in the area.

"We are all devastated at this sudden and unnecessary painful loss to our family when all he tried to do was help.

"He worked hard all his life to provide for his family and looked forward to his retirement.

"He will be painfully missed by all who knew him."

Mr Cole, of Wych Lane, Bridgemary, Gosport, had gone to help Teresa Holt, of Lapthorn Close, get in to her house after she was locked out.

Police believe Mr Cole, who worked for Fareham-based company First Saxon and suffered from heart trouble, was involved in an altercation as he returned home.

He subsequently collapsed at his home in front of his wife Sylvia. His good friend, Ted Cocklin, of Wych Lane, tried to resuscitate him without success.

Miss Holt said: "Somebody stole my keys in Southampton and so when I got home I saw David Cole cutting his hedge and asked him for help."

"He was carrying a very big ladder and when I told him he should use a smaller one he said it would be okay."

Miss Holt described how after forcing her upstairs bathroom window at the back of her house, Mr Cole let her in and returned to his house.

She said that when she went to thank Mr Cole about an hour later, police were in his garden and told her he had died.

Shocked neighbour Jean Cocklin, 65, of Wych Lane, confirmed that she and her husband Ted went to the hospital with Mr Cole and his wife.

She added: "He was a lovely chap and was a really nice friend, he would do anything for anyone.

"It's horrible and I am absolutely devastated."

A post-mortem has been performed although the results have not yet been released.

Police have appealed for any resident, pedestrian or motorist using Wych Lane between 6.45pm and 7.45pm last Friday to contact them at Gosport CID on 0845 045 4545 or the anonymous Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.