Police are hunting a mystery man who was at the home of tragic STEPHEN GATELY on the night he died.

The singer and friend Andrew Cowles met 25-year-old Bulgarian Giorgi Duchev in a Majorcan nightclub and the trio went back to Stephen's home to carry on the party.

But police say they are desperate to speak to Duchev in a bid to shed light on how the former Boyzone star died.

An official tells Britain's The Times, "We do not think this man is involved in any way in Stephen's death but his testimony could prove vital."

An investigating judge has been appointed in charge of the inquiry.

Meanwhile Gately's bandmates Ronan Keating, Shane Lynch, Mikey Graham and Keith Duffy paid a heartfelt tribute to their late "brother", before landing at Majorca airport on Sunday night

The group says, "We are completely devastated by the loss of our friend and brother, Stephen. We have shared such wonderful times together over the years and were all looking forward to sharing many more. Stephen was a beautiful person in both body and spirit. He lit up our lives and those of the many friends he had all over the world. Our love and sympathy go out to Andrew and Stephen's family. We love you and will miss you forever, 'Steo'."