A 26-year-old man found dead in a shelter near his home has been described as a "great guy with a big heart" by friends.

Luke Bawol, who died two weeks short of his 27th birthday, was discovered in Rectory Road near his home in Broadstairs shortly before 6am on Saturday.

A fundraising page has been set up by friend Alexander Roberts to help pay for his funeral.

Mr Roberts has described Mr Bawol, who was an avid Manchester United supporter, as a "social butterfly".

"Unfortunately at this stage we do not know the cause, and are struggling to come to terms with this sad shock," he added.

"He was taken too soon, he had a bright future in front of him.

"Unfortunately, we didn't know him long enough but in that time he became a friend, and a local legend for being an all round nice guy.

"He loved being around people, he never failed to surprise me, he took the time out to get to know people and had amazing charisma to be able to talk to someone he didn't even know. It's a talent to be able to do that.

"He was a social butterfly and loved being surrounded by people he loved the most."

"A lot of people were close to him and loved him dearly, collectively everyone wants to give Luke the best send off we can possibly give him..." - Alexander Roberts

Mr Bawol had moved to the area following the death of his mother last year, who he lived with in Milton Keynes.

Mr Roberts added: "Luke unfortunately lost his mother last year and heavily depended on her. She cared for him and kept him on the right track.

"He moved from Milton Keynes to Broadstairs after she passed and scattered her ashes there, he had had many family holidays there with his mum.

"He then decided to stay there to be close to her. In that time we grew incredibly close to him.

"He touched a lot of people here and was he a great guy with a big heart. Unfortunately he didn't have any other family and his friends were his family."

So far, more than £180 of the £5,000 targeted has been donated.

Mr Roberts added: "A lot of people were close to him and loved him dearly, collectively everyone wants to give Luke the best send off we can possibly give him.

"Any donations will be greatly appreciated and will be going straight towards the funeral of Luke Bawol.

"He deserves what he was willing to give to other people and that is everything."

Police say his death is not being treated as suspicious.

A spokesman said: "Police were called to Rectory Road, Broadstairs at 5.52am on Saturday, May 4 after the body of a man was found."

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