THE father of a young man killed in a horrific caravan fire has paid tribute to his “wonderful” son.

The body of Liam Andrews, 23, and his dog were found in a burnt out caravan on land off Maldon Road, Bradwell-on-Sea, on Sunday morning. The cause of the fire remains unexplained.

Liam’s father, Martin Andrews, told the Standard the pair enjoyed weekends away on the land he owns.

He said: “We always looked forward to getting away together to Bradwell for weekends, that’s why I bought the plot of land so we could take our caravan up there.

“Liam was a wonderful young man, with a heart of gold. We have a memorial outside our home in Hertfordshire which has been flooded with tributes and flowers from our neighbours.

“He would always go out of his way to help his more elderly neighbours, getting them shopping, helping with heavy lifting and ensuring they had all the help they needed.”

He said the pair had arrived from their home in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, on Thursday evening before Martin had to leave for a work appointment at 5.30pm on Saturday.

Mr Andrews said he last spoke to his son later that evening.

He returned the next morning and discovered what had happened.

A dog walker saw the burnt caravan and dialled 999.

Liam grew up in Rhyl, North Wales, where he became heavily involved in mountain biking.

He was two years away from completing his seven year apprenticeship with his father within their family business, W. Andrews and Sons, working as carpet fitters and planners. The business dates back to 1902, and Liam’s great great-grandmother helped to fit carpets on the Titanic.

Martin added: “Liam worked so hard during his apprenticeship. He was genuine, down to earth and just a lovely young man.”

Police teams were onsite throughout Sunday and forensic teams were still carrying out their work on Monday afternoon.

Maldon Road resident Becky Welsher saw the police pass by her house on Sunday morning.

She said: “The only thing I knew about was the police going down Maldon Road on the Sunday, I didn’t have any idea someone had died.

“It’s an awful incident to learn of, especially when it took place right near your front doorstep.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Police are conducting enquiries to try and establish the circumstances of the man’s death.

“The death is currently being treated as unexplained.”