The body of a missing 37-year-old man had been found five days before loved ones unaware of the tragic discovery issued a heart-wrenching appeal to find him.

Friends of Tom Ayris yesterday told of their concern as he had not been seen since June 10 and there had been no activity on his social media or phone.

But in a tragic development today, it has emerged his body had been recovered by the coastguard in Dover last Friday, but was only officially identified yesterday.

The former Canterbury schoolboy was living in London but had a number of connections to Kent, particular to the cathedral city, Folkestone and Dover.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “Officers searching for missing 37-year-old Thomas Ayris from Mile End have recovered a body in Dover.

“His next-of-kin have been informed. His death is not currently being treated as suspicious.

“Kent Police is preparing a report for the coroner.”

Yesterday, Mr Ayris’s close friend, Kay Marsh, had urged him to come home, telling KentOnline: “His family and friends are worried sick.

“We just want him home. He has such a support network around him and we are all here to support him.

“You always have a safe space with me and we can fix whatever it is but we just need to know you're OK.

“Please, we love you. You're never alone.”

Friends of Mr Ayris are planning to hold a memorial to him in Canterbury.