The heartbroken family of a man who was murdered have paid tribute to him describing him as a loveable man and a talented chef.

Kerrin Repman died after being struck by a BMW on Marine Parade, Dovercourt.

A murder investigation has been launched by Essex Police.

Kerrin’s family have paid tribute to the 29-year-old chef, who was known as Kez to his loved ones.

In a statement, they said: “We loved him unconditionally and he worked hard to be a good person and, above all, a good dad to his three beautiful children Romeo, Reggie, and Reenie.

"He was also a great uncle to his niece, Lacey Jane, who loved her uncle Kerrin very much.

“Kez was the youngest of three boys, and his brothers Jamie and Ashley will always remember his cheeky nature growing up.

“He was a talented chef and worked incredibly hard at it. We were so proud of him last December, when he put his all into cooking the local Salvation Army’s community meal at Christmas.

“Kerrin had his problems and went through a lot of physical and emotional pain in his life, but it never stopped him from having a smile on his face. He always brought a smile to ours, too.

“All in all, he was our loveable son and we are all heartbroken.

"He will be forever missed by his whole family, including his mum, dad, brothers, children, niece, his sister-in-law Sophie and partner Emma, as well as the extended family who are across England and Ireland.”

Detectives are still appealing for 40-year-old Keith McCarthy and 19-year-old Anthony Galvin to come forward in connection with their investigation into Kerrin’s death.

Both men have links to Harwich, Hertfordshire, London and Ireland.

Police are also appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident, which happened last Wednesday afternoon, or who has dash cam footage which may be relevant to the investigation to contact them.

Anyone able to assist with police inquiries is asked to call the Dunmow Major Crime Team on 101, to email scd.appeals.essex@essex.pnn.police.uk or by visiting our dedicated webpage mipp.police.uk/operation/4201020120P32-PO1.

Information can also be given anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.