Tributes have poured in after a man found with stab wounds in his own home tragically died.
Andrew McDiarmid, 64, who served for 30 years with Merseyside Police, was found with serious head injuries at his home on Oldfield Way in Wirral on Monday, January 24.
Emergency services raced to the scene in Heswall at around 8.45pm, however the 64-year-old was sadly pronounced dead at the property.
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Following a post mortem, police confirmed the cause of death as stab wounds.
Mr McDiarmid retired from his position with Merseyside Police in 2008 after working at Wavertree police station and in CID in Tuebrook, Huyton and Wirral.
Those who knew Andrew, known to friends as Andy, have described him as a 'loving man’ as they shared emotional tributes on social media following his death.
Many tributes have been left on the ECHO Facebook page, where people said they have been left 'heartbroken' by the news.
Phil Fôn Laskey said: “I am still in shock and heartbroken, Andy was more than just a customer in a pub I used to work in. He was a good personal friend who was there for me when I was struggling, gave me great advice and listened.
“He used to come up to the Dee in Heswall when I was on a late shift and bring me a portion of what he had cooked at home because he was always cooking proper home made food and wanted to make sure I ate properly.
“He was always good at conversation and company, simply such a loving man who will be dearly missed by many.”
Kirsty Marie said: “Prayers to your family Andy - you were a great colleague and a wonderful human being - just in shock x”
Jen Mills described the former Merseyside Police Officer as a true gentleman’ who will be ‘greatly missed’.
Andy Graham wrote: “A gent and a top top bloke who will be missed by many people . Thinking of all his family and friends at this sad time. RIP Andy”
Claire Fleet said: “Rip Andy. I’ll miss our chats cutting your hair. Shocked to the core xx”
Kathy Martin commented: "Why is this happening to decent and respected people? So wrong.
"RIP Andy, condolences to his family."
Mandy Swinburn said: "This day and age no one is safe, this poor man worked all his life helping others and now this, despicable. May you rest in eternal peace."
Angela Clements said Andy ‘will be sadly missed in Heswall’.
While Ali Marjory said: “Omg I can't believe this. I looked after his dad. He was such a lovely man and always nice to talk to.”
An update released by Merseyside Police today said a 21 year old man arrested at the scene has now been detained under the Mental Health Act and taken to hospital for assessment.
A 54-year-old woman has been released on bail as enquiries continue.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police Contact Centre with reference 22000056993.
You can also call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.
