Friends pay tribute to ‘funny and caring’ man

friends like family. He was amazing. I cannot believe what’s happened.

“I texted him the other day but his phone was off and now, all of a sudden, this has happened.”

Chloe, from Waterloo, said Mr Villa had experienced mental health problems following the death of his mother earlier this year.

She said he had been treated at hospitals in Dewsbury and Halifax.

“He is originally from Italy and later moved to Harrogate with his mum. He had worked at Turtle Bay for six months as a waiter.”

Chloe described Mr Villa as a very supportive person who helped out his friends.

“He was my rock. I am heartbroken that he’s gone. All his friends are heartbroken. Everybody just loved him. He was such a lovely person.”

She added: “As a friend he was so caring. He would do anything for anyone. I am going to miss him so much. Rest in peace Roberto. Love you.”

Luca Palmeri, a friend of Mr Villa, said: “He loved everybody. He had just lost his mother two months ago ... the loss of his mum was hard for him.”

The death of Mr Villa is being investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

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