The family of a man killed in a suspected murder last week in Colchester have paid tribute to a “quiet, private man who was loved very much”.

Gordon McGhee, 52, was found dead in a council flat in Forest Road, in the Greenstead area of town, on Wednesday, August 22.

Essex Police, which launched a murder investigation following the discovery, confirmed Mr McGhee’s identity this morning as his family paid tribute to their departed loved one.

In a statement, the family said: “Gordon was a quiet, private man who was loved very much and will be greatly missed.

“We ask that we are left to grieve in peace at this sad time.”

Emergency services had been called to the address following concerns for the man’s welfare – but he was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after their arrival.

The man’s body was found in a council property in Forest Road, near Hythe railway station, at about 2.45pm that day.

Danny Bostock, 32, of Berberis Walk, Colchester has been charged with murder and attempted arson with intent to endanger life and is due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court today, Wednesday.

News of the murder investigation has left the community “reeling”.

Speaking shortly after the death was confirmed, Colchester Borough Council’s deputy leader Tim Young, who lives nearby,spoke of his shock.

“It’s very concerning but the community is very resilient,” he said.

“The council has made it known on social media that anyone in need of support at this time can get in touch.

“We’re all reeling from what we’ve heard. We send our condolences to the man’s family.

“The community is in enormous shock but we’ll all pull together.

Detectives are continuing their appeal for information and said they would like to talk to anyone who was in the areas of Forest Road, Hawthorne Avenue or Avon Way in Greenstead between 2am and 6am on Wednesday, August 22.

People with information, dash cam or CCTV footage are asked to contact Stanway Major Crime Team on 101 or email cd.appeals.essex@essex.pnn.police.uk.

People can also contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org