Family of Warwick man William Heathcote pay tribute

His family have said: “He was a wonderful person with a heart of gold and would do anything for anybody.

“A very good mechanic, he was well known in the Leamington, Warwick and Coventry area. He used to run and own the family business; Heathcote Automotive Ltd – he did that most of his life.

“He was born in Yardley, Birmingham, but emigrated to Canada when he was a teenager, which is where he met his wife June. They lived in Warwickshire for many years but sadly June passed away in 2005.

“Bill made a lot of friends in Warwickshire and was well known in the automotive trade.

“He had a good sense of humour and enjoyed a laugh and a joke. It is devastating to have lost him.”

Mr Heathcote collapsed on Pickard Street on Tuesday November 18 and was taken to Warwick Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

His family is being supported by a specially trained police officer during this difficult time and has requested that the media respect their privacy while they continue to grieve.

*Seven people, all from the Warwick and Leamington Spa area, were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the death of Mr Heathcote. No further action will be taken against two. Five have been released on police bail to return to Leamington Spa police station at a later date.