A friend has paid tribute to a man found dead on a Kent beach.

The victim has now been named locally as Glenn Kell, who was from Folkestone.

Mr Kell was found on Sunny Sands beach in the town last Monday morning and the area was cordoned off by police while officers investigated.

Lorraine Anthony, from New Romney, posted on Facebook: "RIP Glenn Timothy Kell…You know I will never forget you my beautiful man.”

She also told of the moment she was told the shocking news: “Police told me that night ....what a shock. I am not sure what had happened. Told he passed away in the sea.”

It is said that Mr Kell had recently been admitted to Ashford’s William Harvey Hospital.

But the exact details surrounding his death are expected to come out at a full inquest months from now.

The body of Mr Kell, who was in his 50s, was found washed ashore just before 10.30am on Monday, May 9.

A beach cleaner had alerted police who immediately sealed off the area when they attended.

It has not yet been revealed how he died but police said he was not a fisherman and also scotched rumours that this was the body of a migrant.

Police combed the beach for about four hours for clues.

Central and South East Kent coroner’s office said the inquest would open on Wednesday next week.

A post mortem examination took place but confirmation of the cause of death is pending analysis.