A 58-year-old grandfather whose disappearance sparked a major search was found dead less than a mile from his home, a coroner has heard.

Paul Perkins, from Tunbridge Wells, was reported missing from Norman Road on Thursday, May 28.

The search was called off after a body was discovered by a member of the public just over two weeks later.

Mr Perkins' daughter, Katy Perkins, 27, had previously issued an appeal for help in finding her father, in which she mentioned he had been struggling with the coronavirus lockdown and its impact on his usually busy social life.

An inquest into the taxi driver's death has now opened, in which it was revealed he was found at an electrical substation in Sandrock Road, a four-minute drive from his home, on Saturday, June 13.

At present, the cause of death has been given as suspension.

Assistant coroner for north west Kent, Alan Blunsdon, adjourned the full inquest until September 17.

Mr Perkins' family have paid tribute to a "happy, generous and funny" man.

They said: "We are utterly heart broken to be writing this, Paul is such an incredible man who had such a great impact on everyone he met," adding: "Paul is our hero who has held our family together through thick and thin, providing us with all the laughs that got us through tough times."

The widower leaves behind three grown-up children and four grandchildren.

If you need help on an emotional issue you can call the Samaritans free, at any time, on 116 123.

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