Tributes have been paid to a man who was found dead following a suspected fall from height.

Four teenagers are being quizzed by specialist murder detectives following the incident on Wednesday night.

An investigation was launched after the man reportedly fell in Chalk Pit Hill, Chatham, with his body discovered around 11am on Thursday near the Travis Perkins' base in Jenkins Dale. His next-of-kin has been informed.

The victim was known to homeless charity Gillingham Street Angels, which has a premises in the area.

Its chief executive Neil Charlick paid tribute to the "bubbly and lively" man, who was in his 40s.

"It's very sad for him and his family," he said. "He was local and well-known in the area and to us.

"He was a nice fella – a lovely and bubbly type of guy.

"He was a sound bloke and nobody had a bad word to say about him. He was always lovely and friendly."

The 51-year-old said emergency services arrived in the street on Thursday morning.

He added: "There were marked and unmarked police cars as well as a helicopter throughout the day.

"We first noticed them at about 11am when someone came in to tell us, and they were there for hours, until about 5pm.

"They didn't tell us what they were doing there, but we offered them a cup of tea or to use our toilets. It was a bit of shock."

There were more tributes online, with one person writing: "Fly high, another one taken far too soon."

Another commented: "So sad the news I have just heard Rip mate, you were a good one."

'He was a sound bloke and nobody had a bad word to say about him...'

Chatham Central councillor Vince Maple said: "Absolutely tragic this is now a murder investigation; my thoughts continue to be with the family and friends of the man."

Police say the death is being treated as suspicious and a murder investigation is being carried out by major crime detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.

This morning, an 18-year-old man, a 17-year-old boy and two 16-year-old boys were arrested in connection with the death.

They are all believed to have been known to the victim.

Police are now appealing for information which may help the investigation.

Witnesses to the events leading up to the man’s death or anyone with information or video footage that may assist is urged to call the appeal line on 01634 792209 quoting reference 46/69691/22.

You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or complete the online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org