The man at the centre of a murder investigation has been named locally as Dale Simmons as four teenagers were charged with his manslaughter.

Tributes have been paid to Mr Simmons, 42, after he was found dead following a suspected fall from height on Wednesday night.

An investigation was launched after he reportedly fell in Chalk Pit Hill, Chatham, with his body discovered around 11am on Thursday near the Travis Perkins' base in Jenkins Dale.

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

His next-of-kin has been informed.

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

Its chief executive Neil Charlick paid tribute, 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."

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."

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.

On Saturday, 18-year-old Tyrese Scott, a 17-year-old boy and two 16-year-old boys were arrested.

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

Today the Crown Prosecution Service authorised charges of manslaughter for all four suspects. They have been remanded in custody and will appear before Medway Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.

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 Kent Police on 01634 792209, quoting reference 46/69691/22. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.