TRIBUTES have been paid to the foster son of anti-knife campaigner Caroline Shearer whose body is believed to have been found in a car in a secluded country lane.

Alex Wagner, 21, went missing from his home in Boxted Avenue, Clacton, after driving off in his car at 2am yesterday.

Police were called to a layby off Lodge Lane at about 10.40am after a passer-by became suspicious after spotting a parked car.

She went to get her husband and the couple discovered the body of a man inside the vehicle.

The body is believed to be that of Mr Wagner, who had been reported missing after leaving home in his black Renault Clio early yesterday morning.

His family were said to be concerned for his welfare and had appealed for any information about where he was.

His foster mum Caroline Shearer, who’s son Jay Whiston was stabbed to death outside a house party in Colchester in 2012, had looked after Mr Wagner for more than six years.

“He lived with us until he turned 18,” she said.

“He was heartbroken when Jay died – he was never the same after that.

“Alex was the kindest, most-loving boy.

“He loved bikes and cars – he was a mechanic, which is something that he always wanted to be.

“We got him his first job at 14 at Clacton Tool Hire and he later worked for a mechanic in Old Road.

“He was a massive part of our family, but he hated the foster care system.

“We once all went on holiday together, but he wasn’t allowed to go paragliding.

“I have spoken to his girlfriend Roxie, we are all heartbroken. He is at peace now.”

Mr Wagner, an ex-student of the former Bishop’s Park College, lived with his girlfriend Roxie Orman and her son Mason.

Yesterday afternoon police confirmed a body had been found in Lodge Lane, which runs between Holland Road and Thorpe-le-Soken.

A spokesman said: “Police searching for missing Clacton man Alex Wagner have unfortunately found a body.

“The body was discovered by a member of the public in Lodge Lane, Little Clacton, at just before 11am.

“No formal identification has taken place yet but his next of kin have been informed of the discovery and the search has been suspended.”