An "ambitious and hardworking" young man who was killed in a city centre attack had planned to spend his life serving his community.
Duncan Browne was set upon in the early hours of Sunday morning by a group of three men who left him injured on Hanover Street.
The 23-year-old was rushed to hospital but suffered a cardiac arrest before dying on Monday, surrounded by his family.
READ MORE: Police 'trawling' through hours of CCTV footage after murder
In heart breaking tributes Duncan's family said that the Kirkby man was aspiring to become a firefighter but police are now investigating his murder.
A statement, released through Merseyside Police, from Duncan's loved ones said: "We are asking for anyone who was in the vicinity of the taxi rank on Hanover Street around this time who may have seen anything whatsoever that can help our family get justice for our Duncan to inform the police.
“Duncan was a hard-working boy from a loving and compassionate family who had ambitions to be a firefighter to serve his community.
“If anyone knows anything that can help identify the cowards who took Duncan's life, please do the right and just thing and let the police know.”
Three men were seen getting into a blue and pink Hackney cab, close to the City Buffet, and officers are keen to trace them.
A 37-year-old man is now being questioned on suspicion of murder after previously being arrested on suspicion of a section 18 assault.
Hundreds of people have posted tributes to Duncan online after news of his death was shared.
Nicky Lyons said: "How heartbreaking, another gorgeous young man taken to soon.
"RIP Duncan. My heart goes out to the family."
Liam Heavey also said: "One of the nicest and happiest people you could ask for.
"Why Dunc? Shine bright up there lad.
"God only takes the best."
In a statement, a spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "Detectives have launched a murder investigation after a man assaulted in Liverpool city centre in the early hours of Sunday 4 July sadly died today (Monday 5 July).
"Duncan Browne, 23, from Kirkby passed away earlier today with his family at his bedside.
"At around 3.40am on Sunday, police received a report from North West Ambulance Service that Duncan had suffered a cardiac arrest after being assaulted by a group of three men during an altercation on Hanover Street at 3.29am.
"It was alleged he was punched by the offenders outside City Buffet restaurant before collapsing. The offenders are reported to have left the scene in a blue and pink coloured Hackney cab."
A team of detectives are working round the clock conducting enquiries to trace the offenders, and anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is urged to contact police.
Officers are particularly keen to speak to any taxi drivers who were at the nearby Hackney cab rank on Hanover Street or were travelling past, in case they have vital dashcam footage.
Drivers can upload dashcam footage to be viewed by police via the NICE website: https://unitedkingdom1cpp-portal.digital-policing.co.uk/merseyside/appeal/21000465224
Anyone who can assist the investigation is asked to DM @MerPolCC or message Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook, quoting reference 21000465224.
You can also pass information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or contact them via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.
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