Tributes have been paid to Devizes solicitor Jim Ward, 58, who died on Sunday with his family at his side.

Mr Ward had been shot at his office in St John’s Street on July 2 and was airlifted to  Frenchay Hospital, near Bristol, following the attack.

Today IT consultant Chris Greenwood, who had known Mr Ward for some years, said: “This is dreadful. He was such a lovely guy.

“When he was a trustee of Kennet Citizens’ Advice Bureau he got me in to do their computers. He was a wonderful person and a joy to work with.”

Scott Hulland, the owner of the Quintessence restaurant opposite the solicitors’ offices, lives next door to Morris, Goddard and Ward with his wife, Audrey.

He said: “Our bedroom is right next to Jim’s office and I can’t go in there now without thinking of the terrible thing that happened to him.

“Audrey and I are devastated by what’s happened. I can’t possibly imagine how Nicky and the family are feeling.”