Tributes have been paid to a “dedicated family man” after a body was found in a search for a missing man.

Wayne Woodgate, 54, had been missing since last Thursday when he was last spotted in the Goods Station Road area of Tunbridge Wells.

However, yesterday (October 23) detectives said they had launched a murder investigation after a body was found in a rural location in Peasmarsh, East Sussex.

A 59-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

Now, Wayne’s son George has led tributes to his “beloved father” who he said had a great sense of humour.

The 30-year-old said: “Our father was a loving and dedicated family man who brought joy and warmth to everyone he met.

“He was a colourful character and social butterfly who went out of his way to speak with everyone and anyone.

“He was a kind-hearted man and always meant well and we know that he would be grateful for all of your friendship and support.”

Wayne’s eldest son, Glenn Goldsmith, said: “He had a heart of gold and it didn’t matter who you were, what background, circumstances – if you welcomed him he welcomed you.

“He was a face of Tunbridge Wells that everyone knew and everyone will miss.”

Meanwhile, his second eldest son, Christopher Goldsmith, paid tribute to his dad who he said “loved a nice cold beer”.

He said: “Love you Dad, more than you ever knew.”

Wayne’s third eldest son, Thomas Webster, 31, said: “Words cannot fathom my sorrow and grief for the loss of the man who took me under his wing and called me son.

“You shaped me into the man I have become today. And no amount of gratitude will ever be enough.

George said the family felt “utterly robbed” by his death but remain “hopeful” those responsible will be brought to justice.

He added: “He was taken from us much before his time. There was still so much left for him to do and be a part of, experience and achieve.

“We are devastated by this tragic loss and cannot begin to express the depth of our sorrow.

“The realisation that my dad will never see my 8-month-old son in school uniform for the first time, or hear him call his grandad, breaks me in the most unimaginable way.

“Stories of our dad will be told in centuries to come.

“Thank you to everyone who gave our Dad the time, love and friendship that he deserved.”

The family has started a GoFundMe to give their father a “Wayne-style” send-off and are appealing for help to cover the costs of his funeral and memorial services. You can donate here.

To assist the investigation, police are appealing for dashcam footage from motorists who may have recently travelled on the A268 between Peasmarsh and Four Oaks.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Kimber said: “We are specifically requesting any dashcam for journeys made between 5.15pm and 5.45pm on Thursday, October 17, and between 8.15am and 8.45am on Sunday, October 20.

“Footage, as well as CCTV and doorbell camera images can be uploaded through the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) using this online link.”

If you have other information which may assist the investigation call 01622 652006, quoting reference 46/179489/24.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or by using the anonymous online form on its website.