A close-knit community has been left “heartbroken and in disbelief” following the tragic death of a doting dad-of-five.

William “Pedro” Etilage died in Margate's QEQM Hospital on Wednesday, January 4, after being discovered by a dog-walker near Whitstable Castle on New Year's Eve.

The 44-year-old, who was from Lucerne Drive in Seasalter, has been described by devastated loved ones as a "lovely, good family man".

Close friend and neighbour Clare Spice says he was always the first to lend a hand to someone in need.

"He was a great, friendly person who would do anything for anybody," she told KentOnline.

"He loved his family. He was a lovely, good family man.

"We’re a close-knit neighbourhood and we’re all in shock - it was really unexpected.

"We were all with him on Boxing Day having a laugh.

"He never showed anyone just how bad he was - this is why we are so shocked and heartbroken."

Also known by the nickname "Pedz", William originally hailed from Aberdeen.

The Arsenal fan moved to Kent about 11 years ago, where he met his partner, Jodie.

In between being a full-time dad, he would do various cleaning and handyman jobs.

But friends say he had a history of depression. It is understood he took his own life.

Another of his close friends says William loved to organise football games in his housing estate.

“Pedro was a real face around the community,” the pal said.

“The kids around here admired him and he knew them all by name, and he was a loving father.

“He was always loved by the kids, always playing football and organising little tournaments - he always made sure the children had something good to do.

"He loved his family. He was a lovely, good family man..."

“It is truly impossible to put into words the true level of hurt we all feel at this time, as no words seem enough.”

William is survived by his five children and partner Jodie.

Grieving loved ones have launched a fundraiser to help the family meet the costs of the funeral.

The page's target is a total of £5,000, and it has already generated more than £1,650.

“Just after Christmas the family doesn’t have anything saved," Clare continued.

“But we are doing what we can as a little community to try to give him a good send-off.

"I think everyone is in their own poverty at the moment, but we’re just trying to do what we can."

Donations to Pedro’s funeral fund can be made here.

For confidential support on an emotional issue, call Samaritans on 116 123 at any time.