Six people have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man was found dead at an allotment in Derbyshire.

The body of Andrew Jackson, 55, said by his family to have been homeless, was discovered by officers in Shirebrook at about 10am on 26 January.

Two men, aged 26 and 37, were arrested in connection with the incident by police on Saturday afternoon.

A 51-year-old woman and 44-year-old man were arrested on Thursday evening, and two other men, aged 39 and 27, were arrested on Friday evening and Saturday morning. All six remain in police custody.

Derbyshire police described Jackson, whose nickname was Catman, as an “extremely well-liked” member of the community.

The force added that his injuries suggested he had been assaulted.

Previously, Jackson’s family said in a statement that he had been homeless for a while, and expressed sadness that they had lost touch with him.

“Our greatest regret is that we were unable to find him, despite searching,” they said. “And that we never had the chance to talk again.”

“Wherever he was, he always made friends. It is of great comfort to us to know that he was well thought of where he lived and that he had made so many great friends.”

They added that they had “joyful memories” of growing up with Jackson around the Netherfield area of Nottingham.

“Andy was just one of those boys who liked to tinker around with electrics and engines,” they said. “He was a very clever guy and could make something out of nothing.”

Police are keen to hear from anyone who heard or saw anything in Prospect Drive between 22.30 on Saturday 25 January and 02.00 the next day.