Tributes to ‘beloved’ man, 42, found dead in caravan parked in lay-by – as two men arrested on suspicion of murder

A “BELOVED” man who was discovered dead in a caravan has been pictured for the first time – as his heartbroken family pay tribute.

Cops arrested two men after the body of Ashley Menzel, 42, was found in the vehicle in a lay-by in Loughborough, Leicestershire.

Cops rushed to the motor home, which had been parked off the A6 Derby Road, just before midnight on July 6.

Leicestershire Police later launched a murder probe into Ashley’s death.

Officers believe the 42-year-old had been involved in an altercation in the days leading up to the tragedy.

They later arrested two men, aged 56 and 42, on suspicion of murder.

Ashley’s devastated relatives have now released a touching tribute.

In a statement, they said: “Ashley was a beloved son, brother, boyfriend, uncle and nephew.

“He as a beloved member of the family who will be deeply missed by all of us. He was his mum’s little boy and his dad’s best friend.

“Though he had recently been going through a hard time, was on the road to recovery before his life was brought to a sad and abrupt end.”

Both suspects have been released on bail as enquires remain ongoing.

The force has urged anyone with more information on Ashley’s tragic death to get in touch.

Detective Inspector Mike Chandler previously said: “I’ve got a dedicated team of officers working to understand what’s happened in this altercation and the events that led to the death of this man.

“Officers will be in the area of Derby Road over the coming days, carrying out enquiries and forensic investigations.

“A cordon will remain in place while these enquiries are carried out.”

Anyone with information should call 101 or visit the force’s website quoting reference 26*398136.