A major Police investigation is underway today after the body of a 32-year-old man was found at his home.

The body of the man — last night named by his employers as Marcus Gibbings — was found at a house on Derwent Lane in Devonshire at about 12.45 p.m. yesterday.

Stunned friends gathered in the quiet street and looked on grim-faced as forensic officers removed the body of the Trinidadian national from the scene. Tributes were last night paid to Mr. Gibbings, who worked as a senior telecom engineer for Hamilton-based IT communications company CCS.

Close friend Richard Roberts, godfather to Mr. Gibbings' three children, said: "He was a friendly guy. A nice guy. I can't believe this has happened."

Detectives and scene of crime officers combed the house for evidence yesterday afternoon. The property was taped off by investigators and after the body was removed and placed in an unmarked Police van just after 5 p.m., two forensic officers left the house carrying brown paper bags and photographic equipment.

Police last night refused to rule out foul play, but would not confirm whether a murder probe had been launched. A spokesman said: "We are looking at all the evidence and a decision will be made once all that evidence is collected."

No arrests had been made and it was unclear last night whether detectives from the Serious Crime Unit were looking for anyone in connection with the death.

A spokesman refused to comment on this, or on reports they were looking for a woman or that there were signs of a struggle at the scene.

Speculation at the scene suggested a stabbing may have taken place, but a Police spokesman last night said it was "too early to speak to those sentiments".

Police confirmed a member of the public found Mr. Gibbings inside the property in an "unresponsive state". He was later confirmed dead at the scene by an on-call doctor.

A spokesman said: "An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is underway. Foul play has not been ruled out."

In a statement released last night, CCS Group Ltd. said Mr. Gibbings was a "well respected and admired member" of its team of technicians.

The company said the Trinidadian joined the firm in 1997 and added that he was particularly well-liked by his colleagues and CCS clients.

CSS Chief Executive Officer Robert Loxton said: "We are all saddened by the news of Mr. Gibbings' death.

"He made a significant contribution to the company over the past nine years.

"We extend our sincere condolences to his family and friends, both here in Bermuda and in Trinidad."

Friend Mr. Roberts, 40, a plane mechanic at the airport, said he knew Mr. Gibbings from Trinidad and regularly hung around with the popular dad-of-three.

About a dozen friends and workmates joined him and stood outside the scene at Derwent Lane, sheltering from occasional showers. And Mr. Roberts said the fact these people had left work to pay tribute spoke volumes about Mr. Gibbings' popularity. "He was one of CCS's top guys," he added.

"I'm just shocked. This is something I never thought would happen."

One workmate said: "He was a nice guy — too nice."

Residents on Derwent Lane also spoke of their shock. They said the mustard-coloured house where the body was found, which has at least two apartments on two storeys, had only been built in the last couple of years.

One said she did not know who lived there but added: "Everyone is family orientated around here. It's pretty quiet so this is a shock."