East Riding Council pays moving tribute to Shane Gilmer

East Riding Council has paid tribute to Shane Gilmer, who was attacked at his home in Southburn, near Driffield, on Friday night.

Mr Gilmer, 30, died in hospital on Saturday following the suspected crossbow attack. His pregnant partner Laura Sugden was also injured and remains in hospital.

The council said books of condolence had been opened and flags were flying at half mast at its buildings.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council chief executive Caroline Lacey said: "We are all immensely saddened by Shane Gilmer's tragic death in a shocking attack which also left his partner and our colleague Laura Sugden in hospital.

"Shane was an extremely popular and well-respected member of staff. He joined the authority in 2005 as a trainee but his ambition and hard work soon lead to a promotion to work as an assistant housing officer and most recently he worked as a housing management officer and senior housing policy and development officer.

"Working in housing meant Shane was able to assist people who were homeless or in need of accommodation to move into their own homes and he dedicated many hours to helping those worse off than himself. Many of the people he helped have since expressed their appreciation of what he did for them.

"He worked with many people across a wide range of services in his time at the council and his death has shocked the many colleagues who held him in the highest regard.

"Senior managers have visited a number of council sites where Shane and Laura have worked, to offer support to staff as they try to come to terms with the news, and that support is being made available to any employees who have been affected by this tragedy.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to Shane and Laura's families at this difficult time."

Police launched a search for Anthony Lawrence, 55, following Friday's attack.

They later confirmed that Lawrence's body had been found in a vehicle in North Yorkshire.