Underwater divers were today searching the canal next to the Pelsall pub where the landlord Mick Hughes was found dead.

Officers based with the Nottinghamshire Police Underwater Team were searching the Wyrley and Essington Canal for clues to the tragedy while science teams were continuing their hunt for leads inside and around the Royal Oak in Norton Road.

Blue tarpaulin covers the back of the pub over the bedroom where the 59-year-old father of five was discovered on Sunday morning.

Two police officers continue to keep guard outside the building and the pub car park remains sealed off although Norton Road was reopened last night.

During the day a bottle bank was removed from the site. Police have not confirmed if it is significant to their iquiries.

Floral tributes including one from Mr Hughes' children, their partners and grandchildren have been placed outside the pub.

It reads: 'To our darling Dad. You will always be in our thoughts. You will be sadly missed and we will never stop loving you. RIP Dad - Ade, Claire, Lisa, Craig, Mark, Charlotte, Michael, Sylv, Sharon, Paul and grandchildren.'

Police are appealing for witnesses who may have seen Mr Hughes between 2am and 9am on Sunday to contact the incident room at Bloxwich on 0845 113 5000

By Katie Haywood