TRIBUTES have been paid to a man who died at East Tilbury station yesterday.

Despite the best efforts of local community first responders and the ambulance service, Dave King passed away at the station early yesterday morning (30 December) apparently after suffering a heart attack.

His body was discovered just after 6am by a fellow rail traveller, Emma Mercer from Stanford-le-Hope, who alerted the emergency services. She says: "I reckon he had just had a heart attack. He was already gone when I got there. He was alone so I hope it was quick."

Friends and East Tilbury residents have offered sympathy to Mrs Mercer for the trauma she suffered and have also paid tribute to Mr King, who worked at the Tilbury McDonalds.

He was described as a 'kind-hearted man' who was 'quiet and friendly' and staff at the restaurant described themselves as 'all absolutely gutted'.

One commentor on social media, James Chisnell, worked with Mr King for three years and described him as the 'kindest man you will ever meet'.

The station was closed, with no trains stopping, while emergency services dealt with the incident.