Poignant tributes have been paid to Andy Feather who died after a punch in a nightclub.

They came in as detectives arrested a Huddersfield man on suspicion of manslaughter.

Mr Feather died minutes after he was punched at Liquid nightclub in Commercial Street, Halifax, in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Paramedics were called but Mr Feather, a former Hipperholme Grammar School pupil, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Det Chief Insp Nick Wallen, from West Yorkshire Police’s Protective Services (Crime), said yesterday: “A 25-year-old man was arrested in Huddersfield and is being held in custody on suspicion of manslaughter.

“The incident occurred around 2.20am in the early hours of Sunday when an altercation is thought to have taken place in the Liquid nightclub on Commercial Street, Halifax.

“Despite receiving treatment from paramedics the 38-year-old man sadly died at the scene.

“We are still keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the incident and I would ask them to come forward.”

Last night hundreds of tributes were left to the keen amateur rugby player for Halifax RUFC.

Mark Wilton of the club said: “The president and members of Halifax RUFC are greatly saddened by the untimely death of Andrew Feather.

Andy Feather pictured on a charity trek in Nepal
Andy Feather pictured on a charity trek in Nepal

“Andrew had been a loyal member for a good number of years and a prominent player in recent times in the Dukes XV.

“He had served as club secretary for over 12 months prior to his death.

“He will be greatly missed by all at Ovenden Park and the thoughts of all at the club are with his family.”

Andrew lived with his partner Karen in Leeds and worked as a financial controller at Telstar Life Sciences.

Liquid/Maine Street club in Halifax.
Liquid/Maine Street club in Halifax.

He had a sister Jayne and brother Jonathon.

His mother Jenni retired in March 2011 as Chief Executive of Elland charity Overgate Hospice after 12 years.

Andrew, together with a group of volunteers,  trekked to the Himalayas in 2008 in support of the hospice. He also ran the Liverpool half marathon for the hospice in March 2010.

Karen Dixon, Andy’s partner posted on Facebook: “Thanks for all the kind messages, breaking my heart reading them, but he would appreciate them, loved him so much it hurts. xxxxxxxx”

Andy’s mother Jenni commented on a picture of her son and Karen: “Dear Karen, lovely lovely picture, will we ever be happy again xxxxxx”

Andrew’s sister-in-law Leanne changed her Facebook profile picture to the quote: “Be grateful for every second of every day that you get to spend with the people you love. Life is so precious.”

Hipperholme Grammar School headteacher Jack Williams said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened at the news of Andrew’s death.

“A number of staff who taught him are still at the school and his family remained known to the school even after he had left.

“Our thoughts are with his family and we were devastated to hear of their loss in such tragic circumstances.”

Friend Emma Rothery posted on Facebook: “So sorry to hear this shocking news it’s surreal ... My thoughts and prayers to you Karen, Andy’s family and friends who I know will be heartbroken. He was loved by many x RIP x”.

Sam Nicholls added: “One of the nicest guys you would ever wish to meet, truly senseless this news, my heart goes out to you, his brother Jonny and family, devastated!! X”

Anyone with information regarding the incident should contact police on 101.

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