Tributes paid to Bradley Lewis, 25, after his body was found in a river in Witham

Tributes have been paid to Bradley Lewis, 25, whose death is being treated as unexplained after his body was found near the river in Chipping Hill.

Police have named Mr Lewis as they continue to make enquiries.

In a statement, his family said: “The family are very shocked and saddened.

“Bradley was much loved, and the family would like to be allowed to grieve in peace.”

Mr Lewis’ death is being treated as unexplained.

Detective Inspector Julie Gowen, who is leading enquiries, said: “We are working hard to establish the circumstances prior to Bradley’s death, and offer our sincere condolences to his family at this most difficult of times.

“If you believe you saw Bradley between the afternoon of Thursday, February 22 and the morning of Friday, February 23, please contact us.

“We would like to thank the local community for they help they’ve already provided in relation to our enquiries.

“If you think you saw or heard anything which could help the investigation, and you haven’t already spoken with a police officer, please contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should call 101.

Tributes paid to "much loved" Bradley Lewis, 25, from #Witham.

Police were called to Chipping Hill on Feb 23, with reports that a man had died.

Mr Lewis' death is being treated as unexplained.

Call us on 101 or @CrimestoppersUK with info which could help ongoing enquiries. pic.twitter.com/GPMOmXSbG8

— Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) February 25, 2018