Friends and family are in mourning following the sudden death of a young man.

A large crowd gathered outside a house at Malvern Road, Dover, just after midnight on New Year's Day for a one minute silence.

Police confirmed that the victim had been found dead at the property on Friday, December 27.

He was named locally as William Wilson, 19, and friends say he lived at a flat there alone.

During the vigil the large group of mainly young people also sang: "We love you Wilson, we do."

At one stage they all formed in a circle, holding hands.

Mourners had turned up throughout that night to pay their respects.

Floral tributes and candles were laid outside the property.

One woman at the vigil, who did not want to be named, told Kent Online: "Will was a brilliant person, and he always had all the time in the world for anyone. He touched so many people, and loved everyone equally.

" What we did was for Will. To show our love for him.

"Will was a fantastic lad, and he’d give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He looked after everyone as if they were family and he always had time for you.

"The short time I properly knew him I felt blessed to have him around."

Another friend, Lewis Haines, told Kent Online: “Will was always the life of everything he went to.

"He was the first to dance, the first to hype everyone up and the first to be a there when you needed him.

He was dedicated to everything he did and never let his troubles hold him back from chasing his dreams.”

Mr Haines said Mr Wilson was a music lover and added: " I spent a lot of time with him just making music in his flat, especially hip hop, as that was his favourite."

Bobbie Hare, one of many commenting on Facebook, said: "He was loved so, so much he will always be in my heart."

Written messages had also been left and the scene and one said: "Thank you for all your laughs and smiles. Rest easy. Love you, Will."

Another said: "Rest easy, big man."

A third person wrote; "Love you mate, cheers for the memories. xx"

St Edmund's RC School in Dover confirmed that Mr Wilson had been one of its pupils and had left at the age of 16.

A school spokesman said: "We are very saddened to hear about William Wilson’s passing. He was an excellent student at St Edmund’s Catholic School in Dover from Year 7 in 2011 to Year 11 in 2016.

"William was a happy, cheerful boy who was much liked by the students and staff.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this very difficult time.”

Mr Wilson had attended the school with Kelly Turner who died of a rare cancer, aged 17, in November 2017.

Kelly's mother Linda posted on Facebook on New Year's Eve: "RIP to a dear friend of Kelly's.

"Thank you William Wilson for your kindness towards Kelly at Charlton (primary) School and at St Edmund's School. Shocked to hear of such a terrible loss.

" I'm sure Kelly's showing you the ropes in Heaven.

"Sending heartfelt condolences to all his family and friends."

The cause of Mr Wilson's death has not been formally confirmed.

But a police spokesman said: "Kent Police were called at 11.50am on December 27 to a report (that) a man had died suddenly at an address in Malvern Road, Dover.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious and officers are compiling a report for the coroner."

More details on this story will be published as we get them.

Read more: All the latest news from Dover