TRIBUTES have been paid to a man found dead on Westcliff beach.

Police were called following concern for the welfare of a man on Western Esplanade, Westcliff, shortly before 3.30am on Saturday morning.

Officers and paramedics attended but the man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

The man has been named locally as carpenter Carl Connors, 60, of Leigh.

It is unclear how he died, but police have said they are not treating his death as suspicious.

His long-time friend, Paul Eves, 58, said: "I have known him since 1974 when we used to go and watch the football together.

"He was always smiling and laughing.

"He never spoke a bad word about anyone and nobody had a bad word to say about him.

"He was just a really nice bloke."

He added that Carl, known to many as Carlos, loved cycling and would go into London most Sundays to cycle around, as well as biking to many local pubs.

Carl was a very well-known figure in Leigh and hundreds of people have paid their respects to him.

One person wrote: "Just heard the heartbreaking news about Carl Connors passing away.

"Carlos you are a true Southend legend and will be missed greatly.

"I’m glad we managed to meet at the castle when I visited Southend in the summer.

"Now have a good party with Podge and keep looking over us."

He was also described as "one of the nicest, non-aggressive, funniest, kindest off the wall even, blokes".

Others called him a "such kind funny and caring man" and an "absolute legend" as they reacted with shock to the sudden news.

One person commented: "An absolutely diamond. So sorry to hear this. Absolutely tragic."

Another added: "He was one of the nicest friends anyone could have."

He leaves behind a mum, brother, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Passersby described seeing the area of the beach close to the Beach Hut taped off by police, men in white suits and the forensic tent in the early hours of the morning.

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact Southend at CID on 101, quoting incident 137 of November 18.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.