The tragic and sudden death of a popular 30-year-old man found dead in his flat is still being investigated after a post-mortem.

The body of Michael Smith, who was known as Mickey, was discovered at his home in The Hyde, Chartham, last week by an anxious friend after he had not returned calls.

Now his family hope further tests will reveal what caused his death.

His mum Glenda Byrnes says her son suffered with diabetes and other health conditions, which may have been a factor.

“They have done a post-mortem but are waiting for the results of some more tests and have been told it could be a few weeks before we get any answers. We can’t plan his funeral until then,” she said.

The family, including his younger brother and sister, Gareth and Lacey, say they are shocked by his unexpected death on June 21.

Mrs Byrnes, who now lives in Wales, said: “Although Mickey had some health problems, it has come as a real shock to us and his many friends.

“He was a real character who loved his dogs and fishing and was a Mini car enthusiast but although he was single and had no children himself, he was also very much a family person.”

Mickey went to Chartham Primary School and then the Orchard School in Wincheap.

Mrs Byrnes said: “He was only about 5ft and became nicknamed Little Mickey. He got picked on a bit so learned to stand up for himself.

“It particularly hit him when his father Martin died in 2007 and he came to live with me in Wales, but he couldn’t settle and came back to Chartham.

“He didn’t work because of his health problems so hasn’t got much. We have set up a fundraising page to try and give him a decent send-off, which we are hoping his friends might contribute to.”

To donate to the funeral costs visit the GoFundMe page.