TRIBUTES have been paid to a well-respected community figure who has died tragically.

It is understood Paul Mason, an international banker and trustee of Lyme Regis Museum, died following an alleged assault in central London.

Although he was London-based, Mr Mason, 52, had visited Lyme Regis since childhood and had a home in the resort. He had been a trustee of Lyme Regis Museum since 2018.

Mr Mason was a successful international banker, being the UK CEO for Qatar National Bank (QNB).

He was awarded Freedom of the City of London to recognise his business success.

He also carried out a lot of volunteer work, helping to support the Save The Children Fund, MNDA, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust and anti-trafficking charity, Adventure Ashram.

Tributes have been paid to him following his death on Friday, June 4.

No further details about the alleged assault have been disclosed.

A family announcement said he was 'tragically taken too soon' and that he would be 'deeply missed by his family and many friends worldwide'.

A spokesman for Lyme Regis Museum said: "The trustees of Lyme Regis sadly announce the tragic death of much respected trustee Paul Mason.

“Paul regularly visited Lyme since his childhood. His wisdom, knowledge and good humour will be much missed by all at the museum. Our thoughts are very much with Paul’s family and friends.

“Although a trustee for little more than two years, Paul made valuable contributions to the governance of the museum and played an active part in marking the museum’s centenary."

Prior to joining QNB, Mr Mason worked for over two decades with the Australia and New Zealand Banking Group, most notably leading the project to establish a full ANZ branch in Paris.

He worked in international banking for close to 20 years in a number of different locations, including London, Pakistan, Bahrain, Melbourne and Vanuatu.

Yousef Al-Khater, ambassador of the State of Qatar to the UK, said: "Words can’t describe how deeply saddened I am by the tragic loss of my good friend Paul Mason, QNB general manger in the U.K. Paul was a kind and humble man. My deepest condolences to Paul’s family and friends."

A spokesman for Adventure Ashram said: "We have been deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Adventure Ashram’s dear friend and long-term supporter, Paul Mason.

"Many of our supporters have met Paul at our UK rallies and we are sure you will have fond memories from these shared times.

"Our thoughts are with Paul’s family and loved ones at this incredibly sad time."