A man killed following an altercation in Derry was funny and kind, friends said on social media.

Gerard Quinn, 24, died after he was assaulted in the Milldale Crescent area on Saturday night.

Politicians said a house party descended into violence and the victim may have been stabbed in the neck with a bottle.

Police received the report at about 10.30pm on Saturday. Mr Quinn was taken to hospital where he later died. A post mortem is due to take place tomorrow.

Another 24-year-old man received head injuries which were not life threatening.

Detective chief inspector Michael Harvey said: “At this time it is my belief that there was some sort of altercation in the Milldale Crescent area.”

He said the young man’s death was tragic and appealed for anyone with information to contact police.

The detective said investigators had received an excellent response with a good number of people coming forward to provide important information.

Friends took to social media to pay tribute to Mr Quinn.

Emma Dobbins said: “Can’t get my head round it Gerard Quinn.

“So funny n kind. I will never forget this night.”

Agnes Miroslawska said he always made her laugh.

“I’m still in shock. I really can’t believe it. It’s soooo sad to see another young life taken far too soon.

“Thinking of your family at this really sad time.”

Sinn Fein Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said the death of this young man in these circumstances was a tragedy that had shocked the local area.

“There is a live police investigation into this incident and that should be allowed to go ahead.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the man who was killed at this difficult time.”