Fresh tributes have been left close to where the body of a missing man was discovered, as thousands are raised to help his family.

Flowers and letters are by the waterside near the Morrisons in Knight Road, Strood, where police had cordoned during the search for Regan Phillips.

The 25-year-old disappeared after enjoying a night out with work colleagues on Friday, October 18.

A search effort ensued but four days later a body was found near the supermarket.

Police said at the time that while formal identification had not yet taken place, Regan’s family had been informed of the discovery.

Regan, who worked on the Medway City Estate, would have celebrated his 26th birthday on Saturday.

One of the letters left in tribute to him said: “To my G, my brother from another mother. I wish there was a way to say a proper goodbye.

“You will always be loved and missed and never forgotten. R.I.P bro, love you a long time.”

One letter was tapped onto a bunch of flowers. It read: “I love you so much. Always in my heart for eternity. My world. Love you more.”

His devastated family paid tribute to the former MidKent College pupil after his death, saying he had left a “big void” in their lives.

Speaking exclusively to KentOnline his heartbroken mum Julie Phillips described Regan as a “wonderful son” and “loving” brother.

“You will always be my little boy and I will miss our daily chats and – most of all – our hugs,” she said.

“I could not have asked for such a wonderful son and there will be a big, big void in my life.”

Regan, also known as Reg or Reggie to loved ones, had four sisters who lost their only brother.

Sister Carrie Stanton said she will love and miss Regan, who lived in Hoo, every day.

“You made me laugh all the time. I will carry our memories and think about you nonstop,” she said.

“Thank you for being the best brother and cheering me up when I needed you.”

Another sister, Amanda Phillips, said Regan “always made us smile and “protected us as much as we protected you”.

“I cannot believe you have gone so soon,” she added. “I shall cherish the happy memories we all have together. We will miss you and love you always.

Sister Kirsty Phillips said saying goodbye to her brother was the “hardest thing in the world I have had to do”.

“Words can never say how much the family and I will miss you,” she added. “You are going to leave a massive hole in our hearts.

Meanwhile, a fundraiser, which can be found here, has been launched to help raise cash to pay for his funeral.

Suki Jassal, who has known the family for around 30 years, set up the GoFundMe page on Thursday (October 24) which has raised nearly £,2000 at the time of writing.

The 54-year-old who lived in Strood for more than 40 years but now resides in Chatham has set a target of £3,000 and says if 350 “selfless” people contribute £5 each the goal will be hit.

He said: “I was shocked and saddened that someone had lost a son, brother and uncle so close to home.

“It could have been a member of my family. You usually read about tragedies, but not usually right on your doorstep and in an area which I still call home.

“The tragedy could have happened to any family, at any time, and it is important for the communities to help support each other during times of need.

“We still need more of the local community to support in any way they can.

“This could be through donations or simply by sharing the story through social media accounts, workplaces, clubs or social gatherings so that we can reach a bigger audience.

He added: “People can donate as much or as little as they can afford to help a stricken and devastated family lay their young son to rest.

“Regan touched a lot of hearts and will be truly missed by all those who knew him and loved him.

“Thank you to everyone who has contributed to help the family so far.”