A devastated family has described the “big void” left in their lives after the tragic death of a son who was “always there for anyone”.

Tributes have flooded in for “caring and loving” Regan Phillips after his disappearance in Strood came to a devastating end on Tuesday when a body was found near Knight Road.

The 25-year-old, whose birthday would have been on Saturday, had been enjoying a night out with work colleagues on Friday before he went missing.

His family spoke exclusively to KentOnline, and in an emotional tribute described him as a “wonderful son” and “loving” brother.

His heartbroken mum Julie Phillips said: “You will always be my little boy and I will miss our daily chats and – most of all – our hugs.

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

“I am especially proud of the man you have become and life is going to be so hard now you are not here.

“I could not have asked for a better son, who not only cared about me but made a big impact in everyone's heart. I love you, Regan.”

The former MidKent College pupil’s dad Paul said he had been left “devastated” by his son’s death.

“Not only have I lost my only son but I have lost my best mate,” he said. “Love you, Regan.”

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

Sibling Sarah Phillips said: “Lil Bro, I am going to miss running you around and helping you to continue building your life.

“I will miss the discussions about the endless ambitions and dreams you had.

“I will miss our conversations about food and talking about the places we would love to go on our next dinner dates. Most of all, I will miss taking care of my lil bro.”

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.

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

“I will have a piece of you with me every day: your lovely dog, Blue. I love you so much.”

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

“My caring and loving brother, a fun and silly uncle,” she said.

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

“You were our only brother and someone we took care of. You always looked after us too.”

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 said. “You are going to leave a massive hole in our hearts.

“You always did your best in life and I am so proud of you for how far you came, going through the bad and the good and still coming out with a smile and joke. I will always love you, my little bro.”

The former Howard School pupil’s family provided updates to KentOnline throughout the search, saying they were “trying to stay positive” but admitted his disappearance was “out of character”.

Regan had been enjoying a night out with work colleagues before he was last seen in Strood on Friday.

Mrs Phillips said her son was “really excited” about going out with friends to George Vaults in Rochester High Street that night.

He had messaged his neighbour to say he would be back at his home in Hoo shortly after midnight but tragically he never returned.

Regan had worked as a warehouse operative for six weeks at Oliver Ashworth on the Medway City Estate and had already made a great impact on colleagues in a short amount of time.

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

His aunt and uncle Kay and Neil Phillips said: “Proud to call you our nephew. You will be forever missed. Sleep well, Regan.”

His cousin Dave Jackson called him his “lil bro”. “You have always been a great laugh, always there for anyone who needed you and always in my thoughts,” he said.

Regan’s nan Eileen Phillips, who he phoned regularly, paid tribute to him.

“Thank you for being my grandson,” she said.” We will miss you terribly.”

A police cordon was put up between Strood Retail Park and Morrisons in Knight Road on Wednesday.

The force confirmed the body of a man was found at the site.

Formal identification has yet to take place but Regan’s family were informed about the discovery.

His death is not being treated as suspicious and a report is being prepared for the coroner.