The brother of a man feared dead in the Thames after trying to rescue a girl at Gravesend has today revealed he saved him from drowning as a child.

Floral tributes have been laid where Nathan Lane went missing at Newbridge Causeway and members of his family visited the spot last night.

Mr Lane, 28, has been hailed a hero on a Facebook group called RIP Nathan Lane, which more than 500 people have joined.

His brother Warren, 26, today described him as "the most generous person I have ever met".

He said: "My brother was always my hero. He also saved me from drowning when I was little. I never thanked him enough and now it's too late.

"The currents took him. His body is missing and hopefully will soon be found. Those of you who knew him knew his charm, wit, generosity and good morals."

Believed to live locally, Mr Lane went missing on Sunday as four children rushed to rescue him and a girl - who was saved.

A widespread search - which included the Kent Police Marine Unit, coastguard and helicopter - took place soon after the man disappeared.

There was another search at about midnight, which continued yesterday. Kent Police said there has been no sign of the man and the active hunt has now concluded.

A force spokesman said the man's family have been informed.

"I never thanked him enough and now it's too late..." - Nathan Lane's brother Warren

However, it is understood new searches will be made towards the end of the week if the man has not been found.

Bouquets of flowers and cards - as well as a teddy bear and football - have now been left at the site where Mr Lane went missing.

One message read: "Missing you lots. Hope you rest in heaven. Thinking of you always - you were so funny to me."

Another, signed by Mr Lane's sister Toni, said: "It's such a shock that you're gone and what a way to do it.

"You died being a hero, saving that girl's life. You'll always be an amazing uncle to us kids and a special brother. You'll always be our hero."

A message on the Facebook group RIP Nathan Lane said: "I will always have honour and respect for this man! he died risking his life for a little girl who was drowning in the Thames! I will always have you in my heart mate! No matter what! You are a true hero! May you rest in peace."

Friend Alisha Reeve said: "RIP to Nathan Lane - he died as a hero.

Sam Parker said: "What a hero! A totally selfless act and saved a little girl! May you rest in peace xxx."

And Angela Silvester said: RIP Nathan Lane. May you fly high with the angels. Prayers with family."

Yesterday, a schoolgirl told how she and pals risked their own lives to save Mr Lane when he got into difficulties rescuing the girl.

St John's comprehensive pupil Weronika Medlewska, 15, was one of four youngsters who tried to help the struggling recuer at Gordon Promenade.

Emergency services were called at 3.47pm on Sunday following a report that a man had been seen in the water and had not resurfaced.

The RNLI lifeboat from Gravesend was sent immediately to the scene.

Meanwhile St John's pupils Jake Cornish, 16, and Weronika Medlewska, 15, and former Swan Valley pupils Lewis Rossiter, 18, and Kieran Wellard, 16, went in to the water to help the man and girl.

Another man, Carl Payne, also leapt in to the waters to help and pulled the girl free from the water.

Weronika said: "Me and my mate were the ones that tried saving him, but I think it was too late.

"We jumped into the water and tried getting him out but he was just going down and he was pulling us under the water with him.

"It breaks my heart because I know I couldnt save him - he was too heavy for us.

"He was 28 and we're 15-16. Still shocked. Just hope they will find him soon.

"We tried our best, we couldn't risk our lives."

North West Kent College student Lewis Rossiter said: "The little girl was getting swept away and Nathan went to go save her.

"Unfortunately he struggled and put himself in a bad situation. Me Kieran, Weronika, Jake and Carl Payne went to save them both.

"The girl was rescued but the man wasn't so fortunate because we were unable to save him. The current dragged him under and the emergency services took over."

St John's deputy head Michael O'Shea said: "We're just so proud of them. Knowing them as I do, it doesn't surprise me that they've jumped in to help someone."

The girl was safely rescued, but the man disappeared under the water.

Pru Fahey, a member of staff at St John's school on Rochester Road, said: "Yesterday I was at the prom in Gravesend where I witnessed a terrible situation unfolding.

"A girl and a boy were in the Thames when they got taken under by the current.

"A woman came over screaming, saying 'please help, my daughter's drowning' when one of our students jumped in without a second thought and helped save the girl.

"It was Jake Cornish. It was a real act of bravery and I was extremely proud."

Temperatures in the area topped 30C on Sunday.

London Coastguard watch manager Philip Myers said soon after the accident: "The lifeboat was on scene really quickly this afternoon and everyone involved did everything they could to find the man."

The South East Coast Ambulance Service was also on the scene after the initial alarm was raised.

This weekend, Gravesend will be hosting Party on the Prom, which Gravesham council has confirmed will still go ahead.

Video: A lifeboat searches the Thames for the missing man