Victoria NichollsA sporting community has been left shocked and saddened by the sudden death of a popular local sportsman.Victoria Nicholls

A sporting community has been left shocked and saddened by the sudden death of a popular local sportsman.

Touching tributes have flooded in for Peter Anderson, who was well-known locally as a talented cricketer, footballer and rugby player.

The 34-year-old was found dead at his home in Field View Gardens, Beccles, on Monday.

The police, who were called to the address by the ambulance service at 6.25pm, said there were not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.

Mr Anderson, who grew up in Lowestoft, attending Roman Hill Primary, Harris Middle, and Denes High schools, worked in the IT department at Aviva in Norwich, having previously been employed at local printing companies.

A skilful wicket-keeper who was a regular in Beccles Town Cricket Club's first team, Mr Anderson played his last match on Saturday away to North Runcton, where he scored 47 runs.

The club issued a statement yesterday saying: 'With the sudden death of Peter Anderson earlier this week, Beccles Town Cricket Club would like to extend their deepest sympathy to his parents and family. As a mark of respect for Peter, a minute's silence will be held before each of the club's fixtures on Saturday.'

Mr Anderson had played cricket previously for Vauxhall Mallards in Brundall and for Lowestoft Town, who he captained in 2000.

In his rugby career, Mr Anderson started out as a junior at Lowestoft & Yarmouth Rugby Club, returning to the club recently as a scrum-half after two seasons at Beccles.

Club chairman Keith Nelson said: 'Peter will be sadly missed by all who knew him. He was an excellent club member.'

Mr Anderson, an avid Ipswich Town fan, had signed up to play for Caxton Arms Football Club in Beccles this season. It is understood the club will play this Sunday's match in his memory.

By yesterday, more than 240 people had joined a Facebook group set up to enable friends and family to post their tributes.

Mr Anderson leaves his parents Brian and Patricia, and brother David.

His family issued a statement saying: 'Brian, Patricia, David and family are struggling to come to terms with the sudden, devastating loss of Peter, who was such a friendly, cheerful and outgoing son and brother.

'Peter was six when the family moved to Lowestoft and has lived in Beccles for the last 15 years. He was a sports enthusiast and a member of many sports clubs in the area. Peter brightened up the lives of everyone he met and his unexpected and tragic departure leaves a void that cannot be filled. He will be dearly missed.'

Police said that following the results of a post mortem examination an inquest will be held into his death.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 25 at 12.40pm at Gorleston Crematorium. Instead of flowers the family would prefer donations to Cancer Research and The Heart Foundation on the day.