Inquest opened into death of Derbyshire teacher Robert Lane

Police discovered the body of Robert Lane, 50, at his home on Thursday evening.

A 35-year-old man was arrested at the scene and remains on police bail.

Sister Virginia Shirt, who owns Holymoor Riding School, in Holymoorside, which Mr Lane founded, paid a heartfelt tribute to her brother who lived on Drage Street, Derby.

She said: “Rob was the most wonderful, genuine, kind, caring and adorable brother that any sister could ever ask for.

“His teaching was his life. His family was his life. I cannot put into words the loss we are feeling.”

She added: “This has been such a shock and utter horror for the family.

“We still know nothing about the circumstances surrounding Rob’s death. I just pray it was peaceful.”

Mr Lane taught at secondary schools across Derbyshire for more than 20 years, as well as continuing to teach at the riding school.

He stood as an independent candidate for North East Derbyshire in May’s General Election, losing to Labour’s Natascha Engel.

Heartfelt tributes have poured in for Mr Lane, who was a self-confessed “aficionado” of classic horror and cult television including Dr Who.

On Twitter, Craig Heeley, deputy headteacher at Barrow Hill Primary School in Staveley, said: “Devastated to hear of the untimely death of Rob Lane.

“He came into our school during the election campaign and spoke great sense. RIP.”

Ollie King also took to social media to pay tribute to Mr Lane.

He tweeted: “I can’t put in to words how upset I am over the death of Rob Lane, a true inspiration and a fantastic teacher. Fly high mate.”

Mrs Shirt described the comments on social media as “absolutely beautiful”.

She said: “Rob was a very special and unique human being who lived for others. He has inspired so many people in his life and will be sorely missed by everybody who knew him.”

A post-mortem examination into the exact cause of Mr Lane’s death had proved inconclusive.

An inquest into his death was opened and adjourned in Derby on Wednesday.