The brother of Michael Payne has spoken of his family's grief and shock following his younger sibling's unexpected death.

Alan Payne said Michael, the youngest of four brothers, had been in a "downward spiral" since Sarah's murder in 2000 and had battled for years with depression.

The 47-year-old, who also lives in Maidstone, said: "We are all in a state of shock.

"Michael has been in a downward spiral since it all happened with Sarah.

"When he split up with Sara and moved back here he was already a drinker. But I suppose then it got a lot worse.

"We still haven't identified the body and my mum is too devastated to see him.

"I think me and Keith will do it and then they will be able to tell us the cause of death. I hadn't seen Michael for a few months so I didn't know he was sick.

"My mum is in pieces because it is one tragedy after the other. First Michael loses his daughter and now my mum loses a son.

"My mum is in pieces because it is one tragedy after the other. First Michael loses his daughter and now my mum loses a son.

"No one should be alive to see their child die. It is a nightmare."

Alan, from Lancashire Road, said Michael had sought help for his severe depression but it had not worked.

He said: "I know he tried to get help from doctors but it took over.

"I only knew Sarah as a baby but for Michael the moment she was taken, that was it for him."

Michael, who drove a community bus for OAPs, was found at his Brishing Lane, Park Wood home in Maidstone on Monday night. Kent Police say his death is not being treated as suspicious.

One neighbour said: "He didn't socialise much I don't think but he was always polite when I saw him.

"The police had to force their way in because they knew something was wrong and I heard they found him dead inside."

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