A 32-year-old man was last night being questioned by Police in connection with the murder of father-of-two Matthew Charles Clarke.

Mr. Clarke, 31, was rushed to hospital after being found in an unresponsive state at his home on North Shore Road, Pembroke, on Wednesday afternoon, and pronounced dead soon after.

Yesterday, friends and family paid tribute to him on the Facebook internet site. His twin sister Michelle Clarke wrote on his page: "Matt — you are the best — I should have told you that more than I did — I will take care of the kids as if they were my own and make sure they always remember you."

She added: "As for the f***/s who did this to you — they will pay Matt, believe that. Love you always and forever and even beyond that."

Ms Clarke wrote she was vexed "as hell that somebody would hurt him" and thanked "everybody for the love".

Cha'Von K. Clarke wrote: "My heart pains as I mourn for yet another soldier as he rests.....R.I.P. Matthew as you walk with God."

Melissa Williams posted: "Mattie you will be missed very much by so many. I can't believe that you are gone.

"That smile and genuine warmth that you radiated is what I will remember most about you from the days growing up in the hood right up until the last time we saw each other."

Chief Inspector Antoine Daniels, who is leading the murder investigation with Det. Insp. Robert Cardwell, gave no information at a press conference yesterday on how Mr. Clarke died or if a weapon was used. He said there were a number of injuries to his body.

Neighbours told this newspaper at the scene — opposite Jason's Barber Shop and east of First Church of God — on Wednesday they believed Mr. Clarke was stabbed to death but detectives have not confirmed those claims.

A forensic pathologist from Toronto, Canada, is due to arrive on the Island tomorrow to conduct an autopsy on Mr. Clarke's body before the exact cause of death is released.

Police say the death is being treated as a murder because of the condition of the scene and how Mr. Clarke's body was found.

Chief Insp. Daniels told the media that officers had spoken to a dozen people so far in connection with the killing and had taken a 32-year-old man into custody hours after the murder was reported.

"We haven't ruled out any possibilities but there is nothing to suggest that it was gang related," he said.

He thanked those who had come forward so far with information and urged others to do the same, particularly if they saw any activity in the area of the First Church of God or the former Clarkes Tuxedo Shop on Wednesday.

A childhood friend of Mr. Clarke who did not wish to be named told this newspaper he was shocked because the murder victim was known as "a real cool guy". "I've known him all my life," he said. "We grew up together."

The friend explained Mr. Clarke was really into skateboarding and dabbled in football. He said the deceased loved reggae music and frequently threw parties.

The friend saw Mr. Clarke a week ago, on his birthday, outside of his home. "Every time I see him, he's got his children or he's with his girlfriend. It's just crazy."

The United Bermuda Party last night called for a crime summit in the wake of the slaying. Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, Acting Shadow Home Affairs Minister, said many Bermudians were asking themselves what was going on in their beloved island.

"Violent criminal acts from drive-by shootings to group beatings and robberies occur with increasing frequency," she said. "Gang culture has spread like a cancer into our communities." She added: "Where we were once safe, we no longer are."

Mrs. Gordon-Pamplin said a crime summit could explore the conditions feeding the "destructive trend in our midst".

"We would like to see the Government bring together all manner of local expertise, from within the Police service, to educators, to community activists to provide perspective and information so that we as a society can begin to fashion remedies to reverse the situation," she said.

• Anyone who can help Police should call the Serious Crime Unit at 299-4315 or the anonymous CrimeStoppers hotline on 1-800-623-8477.