The mother of a young man whose body was found in Orsett after he went missing has shared a touching tribute to her son.

Police had issued an appeal to the public asking for help to find Lee Evans, 23, from Stanford-le-Hope who went missing on Sunday afternoon.

Officers and Lee's family were concerned for his welfare.

Sadly, on Monday, police suspended the search after they discovered a body in Orsett, Grays and his family was informed.

His mother, Emma Lilley has paid tribute to her son, saying: "We are all really proud of everything Lee was and we will miss him terribly.

"He was a massive part of all our lives. Lee we love you so much and we know you are now up there looking down on us and keeping us safe."

A Go Fund Me page has been set up to help Lee's family cover the cost of his funeral.

Long-time friend Tommy Mason helped create the page and is hoping to raise £500 to give Lee a worthy send-off.

The Starbucks worker, who has now moved out of the area, said: "I knew Lee for as long as I can remember. We went to Purfleet Primary School together.

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"He was the funniest person you could meet and a real pleasure to be around - sarcastic as anything but always made you smile.

"He loved motorcross biking but most of all he just enjoyed being around other people.

"If Lee was facing any issues at all he would never have told anyone. He would have always put a brave face on regardless of how he was feeling. That was just Lee."

Writing on the fundraising page, Tommy added: "I want to be able to cover the whole lawn in flowers for Lee as we are all aware he deserves nothing less than this.

"It's so sad that he's left us and gone to heaven but just goes to show that someone up there needed him a lot more. R.I.P LEE."

Other friends left their tributes on the page as they supported the cause and helped raise money for the funeral.

Connor Outten wrote: "RIP Lee always had a laugh. thoughts are with your family."

Kim Pickton added: "RIP Lee. Fly high with the angels. Hope you're at peace now."

Terry Button said: "Hope you found your peace mate cheers for a good childhood."

The page has so far raised more than £300.

If you want to help support Lee's family you can visit the fundraising page by clicking here.

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