A family whose frantic search for a son ended in tragedy have paid tribute to a “kind-hearted and loving” person.

The body of Luke Pullman, 38, was found near a farm four days after he was reported missing from his home in Winston Close, Greenhithe.

Previously to that, he had not been seen for about a week and the family said it was completely out of character.

They put out appeals on social media, setting up a Facebook page and putting up posters.

Police are not treating his death as suspicious although an inquest will be held.

His tearful mother, Christina McDermott, 59, said: “Luke was very gentle and he was always smiling. He was always willing to help others and he was very kind.

“He liked to watch football and boxed for White Oak sports centre [in Swanley] when he was a child. His grandad, Billy Martindale, took him to the club.

“He was a natural. He liked most sports and enjoyed playing darts. Luke was a loving son, brother and uncle. He was just a lovely person.

“He loved to read anything and was always good at quizzes.”

A statement from Mr Pullman’s sisters, Bessie Pullman and Emma Hills, said: “Words cannot express our devastation at the loss of Luke, he was our kind hearted and caring brother.

“He will be forever in our hearts and always on our minds. We will miss him so, so much.”

Police had conducted house to house inquiries around Greenhithe and searched gardens. They used dogs to search wasteland and alleyways.

The police helicopter and marine units also joined the search.

The day before he was found, Mrs McDermott said she was desperate for him to come home.

She said: “He doesn’t disappear. It’s out of character and it is so not like him.”

Mr Pullman’s body was found near a farm in Cotton Lane, Stone. Two police forensic vans, two fire engines and several cars were called to the scene.

On Facebook, Mr Pullman’s family wrote: “We are devastated to announce that Luke was found earlier today and is no longer with us.

“We are so very grateful for everything that has been done to find Luke. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Mr Pullman’s funeral will be held at Eltham Crematorium on Friday, January 8, at 11.30am. There will be a donation box, the proceeds from which will be split between Mind, a mental health charity, and missingpeople.org

The wake will be at Dartford Irish Club, Overy Street.