THE family of Paul Campbell, the 21-year-old who died after an 18th birthday party, have spoken of the support they have received from his friends.

They say the shrine created to Paul outside McDonald's, a spot where he used to hang out with friends, is testament to his popularity.

Dozens of people have signed boards paying tribute to the young man and flowers and balloons have also been left there.

The family also say his untimely death has left a void in their lives that will never go away.

Paul, of Turl Street, had been at Swindon Rugby Club in Greenbridge Road on Friday, February 3, to celebrate two friends' birthdays before moving on to the party at a friend's house.

People who had seen him at the rugby club party, which was attended by about 120 people, said he seemed in good health.

But he died after collapsing in the house on Haydon Street.

Alvina Kumar, spokeswoman for Swindon police, released a statement on the family's behalf.

It read: "We are a large close-knit family and what has happened to Paul has devastated us.

"We just can't believe that Paul is no longer with us and that we will never see his smiling face.

"Paul was a kind, happy person who loved life.

"He had a vibrant sense of humour and enjoyed making people laugh.

"The memorial outside McDonald's in the town centre, and the messages of condolence, are a testament to Paul's popularity.

"No-one can ever fill the void that Paul's untimely death has left in our lives.

"He will be greatly missed by his mum, dad, brother, granddad, aunties, uncle, cousins, extended family members and friends.

"The memories of Paul will live on in our hearts not only today, but tomorrow and always."

A post-mortem into the cause of death proved inconclusive and police are now waiting for the results of further tests and toxicology analysis.

Det Sgt Dave Williams, of Swindon CID, said that the results would not be through for a few weeks.

Paul had been arrested for a minor offence on Friday and released from custody at Gablecross police station at 8pm.

As a matter of protocol they have informed the Independent Police Complaints Commission which will carry out its on investigation into his time spent in custody.