Police have named the young man who died following an incident in Bedford town centre early on Sunday.

He was 22-year-old James Latimer, of Dearne Walk, Brickhill, Bedford.

Mr Latimer died in Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, on Monday afternoon. A post-mortem to establish the cause of his death is expected on Tuesday afternoon.

DI Alan Postawa, of the Beds and Herts Major Crime Unit, described James as a quiet, gentle, intelligent and unassuming young man who successfully graduated from university and had his sights set on a career in sports journalism.

In the meantime he worked part-time in a shop and lived with his father Billy, mother Helen, brother Andrew, 18, and sister Sarah, 15.

He loved to follow sport, and especially football.

Detectives, who know there was a public disorder involving about 20 people outside the Subwich takeaway in Midland Road, Bedford, at 3.17am, believe James, who suffered head injuries, tried to break up a fight between a friend and another man.

DI Postawa said: "This is a tragic waste of a young life and our thoughts are with James' family, friends and work colleagues at this time.

"Police are doing all they can to find out exactly what happened that night and we would urge anyone who was there, or has heard information since that may help, to get in touch. We would stress all information will be treated in strict confidence."

Two men arrested in connection with the enquiry have now been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information can contact police, in confidence, on 01234 275249, the main switchboard on 01234 841212 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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Did you know James? Send us your tributes here.

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From Mr J Gascoyne:

"James was my brother's nephew. He was a gentle giant who couldn't have had an enemy in the world. It was lovely to watch him play with his younger brother and sister and younger cousins. He was the big one that they all looked up to, he was their role model, they were following him.
He was a great support to his family through any troubled times, such as the death of his maternal grandmother.

"His youngest cousin hugged him in hospital before they switched off his ventilator, one cousin was too overcome. His interest in sport had been a catalyst to my brother's two boys.

"What it must feel like to be the parents, having brought up a child to be such a one as he, and to lose him so suddenly, regardless of how, cannot be imagined. After he died, his aunt sent us a text message, 'We have lost our James.' For whoever is responsible, I cannot imagine that they were aware of what they were doing. I am sure everyone involved would want to turn the clock back and change what has happened. Sadly, too few realise that in the real world you never can."