MORE tributes have been laid to the popular “gentleman” who was murdered in Bournemouth.

Sergio Retamar Marquez, 23, was found decapitated at his Lansdowne flat last week and flatmate Karl Addo, 29, has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Spanish friends laid more tributes to the waiter describing him as a “brother” and “an angel”.

At the scene yesterday, Jorge Gallardo, 17, a language student from Madrid, said Sergio had contacted one of his friends about three weeks ago via Facebook looking for a place to stay in central Bournemouth.

Jorge gestured towards the flowers at the murder scene and said: “If my friend’s room had been free, maybe Sergio would not have been here.”

By yesterday they were 10 bunches of flowers, some of them from strangers.

One note read: “I never knew you but my heart loves you nevertheless. You are at peace from this cruel world.”

Two of Sergio’s colleagues from the Britannia Hotel came to check the flowers. They declined to comment but told a passer-by what a happy person he was.

A post-mortem examination revealed he died from multiple stab wounds to the chest.

Mr Addo has been bailed to a secure unit. Police have confirmed that they are not looking for anybody else.

It is understood he grew up in Atlanta and studied at the Georgia Institute of Technology before transferring to the University of London, graduating with a 2:2.

His interests included being a member of London Phoenix Cycling Club. His online CV with Fleet Personnel said he has “a lively attitude and likes to meet people”.

One resident told the Echo: “I used to see Karl quite regularly, probably 15-20 times over three to four months. I spoke to him a few times when I’d seem him walking around.

“The old flatmate had been there a year but he moved out. The landlord replaced him, I think with two Spanish guys. They had been here maybe two months when it happened.”

Another resident said: “I think Karl had lived there two or three months, and I think Sergio had only been there two or three weeks, unless he had lived there previously.

“I saw Karl around but I didn’t really talk to him. He seemed quite quiet. His talking was a bit laborious. I only spoke to him once and he had quite a high-pitched voice.”

The police cordon has now been removed, although an officer is still inside the property guarding the front door of Flat 8, where the death took place.

The flat is up a short, steep stairwell that is immediately behind the front door.

The Spanish newspaper Diario Sur reported Sergio’s body is this week expected to be returned to his home town of Coin, near Malaga on the south coast.

Translations of the tributes

Spanish friends left tributes to Sergio on flowers outside the flat. Here are translations: Top left: “Thanks for all these wonderful moments that you allowed me to share with you, in such little time you became one of the essential people in my life.

“Today I don’t say goodbye to a friend. Today I just tell you – see you soon my friend! I will never forget you and always carry you in my heart. Zerjio. Rest in peace.”

Bottom left: “I cannot say anything but thank you for your company.

“You are like an angel that came into my life to change the good and the bad. Thank you for showing me how to laugh about the bad things, for teaching me music and games. I love you and will never forget one moment that we had together. You are ace mate!”

Bottom right: “To be honest, it was little that we shared, but this little was more than enough to realise that you were a true gentleman.

“I wish I could have shared more with you, having a few laughs or indulging in our vice Metal Slug [a computer game].

“Today I do not say goodbye to you, but see you later because we will meet again, just not yet. God will have you in his arms now and wherever you are now you will take care over all your beloved ones. It was such a pleasure having had the chance to meet you my brother.”