The family of a Shipley man, who died after being robbed and beaten outside his home, today said their lives would never be the same without him.

Bryan Smith was described as a "loving and caring man and real character" who had overcome a string of obstacles in his life.

And his tearful mum Eileen said she would never come to terms with the way he had died after the attack in the early hours of New Year's Day.

"It has all been a terrible shock," she said. "It is the not knowing what has happened to him which makes it so difficult. We still don't know what went on that night and probably never will.

"I am just numb about it. I had spoken to him in the early hours of New Year's Day and he was just so happy. He just said 'Happy New Year, mum' then said he had to go. That was the last time I spoke to him."

Police officers, headed by Detective Superintendent Phil Sedgwick, launched a murder hunt earlier this week after Mr Smith died following the attack in Rochester Street, Windhill.

Family and friends had been at his bedside in Bradford Royal Infirmary before his life support machine was switched off six days after the attack.

"From the minute we found out what had happened, Bryan was never on his own, but we were never able to speak to him again," said Eileen, 69.

The family, including brothers Martin and Adrian and sisters Jackie Hehir and Anita Wild, said they have received hundreds of cards and letters from devastated friends. Many of the messages of condolence have come from Ilkley and Otley where Bryan, who suffered from learning difficulties, grew up before moving to Shipley 13 years ago.

His brother Martin, 46, said Bryan had often been bullied because of his disability but had always refused to be beaten.

"He was very innocent and he trusted people who sometimes took advantage of him, but it also won him many friends," said Martin.

"We are all proud of him and with the way he coped because some times it was very hard for him. He always had the courage to stand up for himself.

"The sheer number of friends he had was tribute to how caring and friendly he was. In these last few days, there are a lot of things I have found out about him from people who have got in touch, saying how devastated they are.

"There will not be a pub big enough in Ilkley to take all his friends and family after the funeral. Ilkley and Shipley will be totally different places without him."

He added: "We desperately want to put Bryan to rest and we want to get on with our lives but there is no way we can until we find out what happened to him."

He paid tribute to hospital staff who battled to save Bryan's life, and police who are leading the murder hunt.

"We will never let this rest," he said. "We will fight for the value of Bryan's life because he is that important to all of us."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Shipley police on (01274) 537459.

A 29-year-old man has been arrested and questioned in connection with the incident.