The death of a man whose body was found at a property in Dunfermline is being treated as murder, police have said.
Duncan Banks, 39, was found dead at an address in the Fife town's Skye Road at around 5pm on Monday.
Detectives said he had suffered a "violent assault".
Police have launched a murder investigation, led by detectives from the Major Investigation Team (MIT).
Mr Banks' family said they are devastated by the death of the popular man.
In a statement issued through police, they said: "Duncan was a beloved son and a much-loved brother and uncle and we have all been left utterly devastated by his death.
"He was a very popular character, who had a heart of gold and wouldn't hurt a fly.
"Whenever he could, he would try to help his friends and family with any problems they had.
"We have been overwhelmed with the support we've received from our friends and the local community during this awful time and we are all so grateful for the messages of sympathy we continue to receive."
Asking for the privacy to grieve, they added: "In the past couple of days we have also read a number of very upsetting suggestions and theories about how Duncan died and until we know exactly what happened, we would request that people stop jumping to conclusions and let the police finish their investigation."
Appealing for information, Detective Chief Inspector Keith Hardie, of the MIT, said: "Following the conclusion of a post-mortem I can confirm that the death of Duncan Banks is being treated as murder.
"I ask anyone who was in the area of Skye Road between 11am on Sunday September 27, and 5pm on Monday September 28, and who noticed any unusual behaviour to come forward.
"Mr Banks was the victim of a violent assault and we are committed to tracing anyone who was involved in his death.
"Such acts of violence have no place in society."
High visibility patrols and an incident bus are in place in the Skye Road area.
West Fife area commander Chief Inspector Irene Ralston said: "I want to reassure the local community that, although this is a serious and violent crime, it is not a common event in Fife and we are doing everything in our power to bring whoever is responsible to justice."
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