A man arrested on suspicion of murdering boatman William O'Neill has been released on bail without charge.

The man was held by police following the discovery of Mr O'Neill's body in the Castle Mill Stream on Thursday. His death has shocked boat dwellers on Oxford Canal.

Mr O'Neill, who was known to friends as Nemo, was reported missing on Saturday, July 5.

His body was discovered by a police officer in the stream in Jericho, just yards from his boat mooring, on Thursday.

Detectives are still actively investigating the 62-year-old's death but a post mortem carried out on Friday to discover the cause of why he died proved inconclusive.

However, the post mortem did reveal that the popular boatman had not been knocked unconscious before he died.

Neighbouring boat dwellers who knew Mr O'Neill said the retired engineer, originally from the North of England, was a friendly character.

Meanwhile tributes posted on the Oxford Mail website show the boat dweller, who had lived in Oxford for at six years, would be sorely missed.

A message left by 'boatman' simply said: "RIP my friend, it was a pleasure to know you."

Another tribute posted by Lucy said: "I have known Liam all my life and nothing I say will ever be able to justify what an amazing person he was.

"I'll never forget him, and it isn't until now that I realise how much of an impact he had on my life.

"He may not have been perfect, but he didn't deserve this. I'm just glad that he now has no worries and can be at rest. I love you and I'll miss you, Liam."

Police are classifying Mr O'Neill's death as unexplained and are currently awaiting the results of a toxicology test and other medical tests to find out why he died.

An appeal for members of the public to come forward with information has also been launched.

Thames Valley Police spokesman Rachel McQuilliam said: "A 40-year-old man has been bailed having been arrested on the suspicion of murder.

"That man has not been charged, but the inquiry into Mr O'Neill's death is still active."

Police are keen to hear Detective Chief Inspector George Bain, of the major crime unit, said he was particularly keen to hear from anyone who used the towpath near Great Clarendon Street between the evening of Saturday, July 5, and early the next day.

Anyone with information should call Oxford CID on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.