Four teenagers accused of the manslaughter of a "lovely and bubbly" man have been remanded in custody.

The suspects appeared before Medway magistrates today charged with causing the death of Dale Simmons, who found dead following a suspected fall from height in Chatham on Wednesday night.

An investigation was launched after the 42-year-old reportedly fell in Chalk Pit Hill, Chatham, with his body discovered at about 11am on Thursday near the Travis Perkins' base in Jenkins Dale.

It is believed he died between 6pm and 8pm the previous evening.

Tributes have been paid to Mr Simmons, who was known to homelessness charity Gillingham Street Angels, which has a premises in the area.

Its chief executive Neil Charlick paid tribute to Mr Simmons, calling him a "bubbly and lively" man.

"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."

Mr Charlick, 51, 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."

More tributes to Mr Simmons were posted 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."

Chatham Central councillor Vince Maple added: "Absolutely tragic. My thoughts continue to be with the family and friends of the man."

The police investigation is being led by major crime detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.

On Saturday, 18-year-old Tyrese Scott was arrested along with a 17-year-old boy and two 16-year-old boys who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Scott, from Chatham, and the three other teenagers are believed to have been known to the victim.

Yesterday, the Crown Prosecution Service authorised charges of manslaughter for all four suspects. They appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court today and were remanded in custody.

They are next due to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on May 16.

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

Investigators continue to appeal for witnesses to the events leading up to Mr Simmons' death. They are also appealing to motorists with dashcam and residents with private CCTV to check for footage between 6pm and 8pm on Wednesday, that may assist the investigation.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 01634 792209, quoting reference 46/69691/22. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.