The Big Issue has paid tribute to a much-loved seller who died in Glasgow at the weekend.
The magazine said that they are "saddened" to report on the death of Paul Kelly who was a seller of The Big Issue in Glasgow city centre and East Kilbride.
Hermitage Avenue
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We previously reported that Mr Kelly was found with serious injuries on Hermitage Avenue on Saturday morning.
Emergency services attended but the 50-year-old died at the scene. A man is expected to appear in Glasgow Sheriff Court today in connection with the death.
Desperately sad to reveal that our @bigissue compadre Paul Kelly died at the weekend. He was victim of a violent attack. Police are treating it as murder. Paul sold the mag outside Sainsbury's on Glasgow's Buchanan Street.He was a lovely sweet man.I'll miss him.We'll all miss him
— Paul McNamee (@PauldMcNamee) June 18, 2019
Big Issue editor Paul McNamee said: "We're devastated. He was such a sweet man. We talked a lot, many times a week, just putting the world to rights. He always had plenty to say.
“His father died not so long ago and he had a bit of a tough time with that. But he met it and he liked to talk about him and reminisce.
“Paul was both tough and really gentle. He was such a part of The Big Issue, such a part of Glasgow city centre. He talked about the good people, the regular customers and friends he had who looked out for him. Everything is a bit darker and quieter just now.”
The Big Issue revealed that Mr Kelly sold their publication for 15 years. He was known for shouting the catchphrase , 'Don't be shy, give it a try. I don't bite' on his pitches.
Regulars who buy the magazine may have seen Mr Kelly at his pitch outside Marks & Spencer in East Kilbride Town Centre and he also worked on St Leonards Square on a Sunday.
The Big Issue is one of the UK's leading social businesses and exists to offer homeless people or individuals at risk of homelessness an opportunity to earn a legitimate income.
Rhys Corley-Morgan, sales and operations manager for The Big Issue Scotland, said: "Everyone at The Big Issue is extremely shocked to hear about the death of Paul on Saturday morning.
"He will be missed by all of the staff who worked with him and all of his customers in Glasgow and East Kilbride.
"He was a kind-hearted person who was a friend to everyone he met.
“The thoughts of everyone at The Big Issue are with his family in the most difficult of times.”
Tributes were also made online.
Andrew Burns said: "Oh my God. That's absolutely horrible to hear. I always loved a wee chat with him whenever I got my magazine from him in town."
Harry Brennan added: "I saw him all the time going down Bath Street from Townhead. He always grabbed your attention - so sorry to hear this."
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