A suspect has been charged with murder after a body was found in the search for a missing man.

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

An appeal to help find him was issued by police along with CCTV footage of him in the Opera House Wetherspoon pub.

But on Wednesday (October 23) detectives said they had launched a murder investigation after a body was found in a rural location in Peasmarsh, East Sussexwhich has been identified as Mr Woodgate.

Stephen Castle, of Hastings Road, Matfield was arrested.

Yesterday evening (October 24), the 59-year-old was charged with murder and remanded in custody.

He will appear before Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court today (October 25).

Yesterday, tributes were paid to Wayne who is remembered as the “face of Tunbridge Wells”.

His son George described him as a “dedicated family man who brought joy and warmth to everyone he met”.

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 service. You can donate here.

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.”