The devastated family of a man who was killed at his home in Kirkby said he had "so much to live for."
Thomas Edmunds, 36, suffered a serious head injury after two men burst into his home on Clorain Road on Sunday.
He was taken to hospital where he died on Monday morning, May 10.
Sharing a photo of Thomas, known by many as 'Tommy' his family described him as "the life and soul of the party."
In a statement they said: "Our Tommy was loved by everyone.
"He could not enter the room without making everyone smile. He was the life and soul of the party.
"We cannot express how devastated we are as family.
"He was a young man with so much to live for, his life has been cut short. We will miss him so much.
"As a family we have taken comfort from the lovely response from the community and thank them all for all their support.
"Tommy will be sadly missed but never forgotten."
A post mortem examination yesterday confirmed that Thomas died of asphyxiation.
Types of asphyxiation include strangulation, choking or smothering.
The attack is believed to have been targeted, police said.
A 38-year-old man from Old Swan has been released under investigation and two men aged 32 and 34, from the Liverpool area, who were previously arrested on suspicion of murder, remain in custody.
A Merseyside Police spokesman said: "Our investigation continues and anyone with information is asked to contact @MerPolCC or 101 quoting ref. 21000297827.
"Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
