FLOWERS and messages of condolence have been arriving at a Liskeard pub since the shock death of the landlady on Christmas Eve.

Josephine Murtagh (57) collapsed unconscious in the bar of the White Horse on The Parade, soon after police had been called at 10pm to a fight there involving up to eight men.

The popular landlady, known as June, had been in her flat above the bar when she heard the fight.

She was on her way to investigate and help the staff to sort it out, when she collapsed. The police cleared the pub and shut it down, and took over trying to resuscitate Mrs Murtagh from customer Ray Baker until paramedics arrived. She was unable to be revived and was pronounced dead shortly after 11pm.

A family member, speaking on behalf of pub landlord Phillip Golley, who is recovering from heart surgery, said: 'Phil and all our family are very upset and we would like to thank everyone for their support and kind condolences at this very sad time for us.'

Pub regular Ross Fraser said everyone who knew June was deeply upset. 'She was such a generous, warm-hearted person,' he said.

'When I came into the pub on Tuesday, the first day it had opened since everything had happened, I found a Christmas stocking hanging up behind the bar for me from June and Phil. She had filled it with jokes and sweets. She had done a few others as well for customers who had become friends. I found that so moving, especially as it is hard to believe June is no longer here.'

One of the bar staff, Lynne Rodda, has taken on Mrs Murtagh's two dogs, Sam and Molly. She said: 'I will miss June terribly. She was my friend as well as my boss and the nicest person you could wish to meet. She would do anything for anyone. Everyone is still in shock. We just can't believe what has happened.'

Police arrested three local men – two aged 18 and the other 20 – on suspicion of affray. They were later released on bail until March 6. Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the police on 101.