THE leader of Christchurch Borough Council Ray Nottage has paid tribute to his son-in-law who was killed on Christmas Day.

Nick Medlin died after an alleged serious assault in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight in the early hours of Christmas Day after an incident on Christmas Eve.

His father-in-law councillor Nottage, who is also ward councillor for Purewell and Stanpit, said Mr Medlin was “a wonderful husband, father and son”.

“In law he was my son-in-law and in life and now in death he was my son,” he added.

Councillor Nottage said the family were holding up “as well as could be expected”.

In a statement made by Mr Medlin’s family they said: “We are completely devastated and totally heartbroken by the tragic death of Nick.

“The family wishes to thank everyone for their kind tributes and ask for privacy to grieve at this very sad time.”

Mr Medlin, a 57-year-old prison officer, was allegedly attacked outside the Rose Inn on Pier Street in Ventnor.

Three men aged 26, 31 and 32 were arrested on suspicion of murder.

Officers have charged Michael John Hudson, the 32-year-old of no fixed abode, with manslaughter.

He was remanded in custody and appeared before Portsmouth magistrates on Thursday.

He has now been referred to Winchester Crown Court where he is due to appear on January 23 and remains in custody.

The two other men have been bailed until April 11, 2017, pending further enquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Brown said: “Investigations are continuing today as we work to establish the exact circumstances of this man’s death.

“We would like to speak to anyone who was in or in the vicinity of the Rose Inn on Christmas Eve night around the time of the incident as they could have information which could assist our investigation.

“So if you have not yet spoken to us please call 101.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting Operation Extension or 44160484578.