Family's tribute to Steven McMyler after he was kicked to death at Wigan Parish Church
The family of a man kicked to death in a church gardens have paid tribute to an "extremely likeable lad" who had "a heart of gold".
Steven McMyler, 34, was fatally kicked in the head while being attacked in the gardens of Wigan Parish Church on 6 August.
A murder investigation was launched over the attack, which took place shortly before 7.50pm, after Mr McMyler died at the scene despite the efforts of emergency services.
In a tribute to him, his family said: "Steven was an extremely likeable lad, and everyone who came across him loved him as much as we all did. He was a popular lad, and he lit the room up as soon as he walked in.
"Everybody thought the world of him, as he had a heart of gold.
"We can't believe what has happened, and we are struggling to come to terms with this terrible tragedy.
"As a family, we would appreciate some privacy at this devastating time."
Local news website Wigan Today reported more than £2,000 has so far been donated to a fundraising appeal to help pay for Mr McMyler's funeral.
Greater Manchester Police want to speak to four men who got off a train that stopped at Wigan Wallgate station a short time before the incident.
The men walked together into the church grounds where Mr McMyler was later discovered by members of the public.
The four men then seen to leave the church grounds via the gate on the corner of Crawford Street and King Street West, police said.
Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 4815 quoting incident 2974 of 06/08/2020. Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
