EMOTIONAL tributes have been paid to an Essex teenager whose body was discovered in woodland near a football stadium.

Elliot Furniss

EMOTIONAL tributes have been paid to an Essex teenager whose body was discovered in woodland near a football stadium.

Eighteen-year-old Luke Starckey was found in undergrowth near Braintree Football Club last Saturday.

A cause of death has yet to be revealed but police are not treating it as suspicious.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Officers discovered the body of an 18-year-old man from Braintree in undergrowth at the rear of the football club off Cressing Road at about 7pm on April 19.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be passed to the coroner.”

Hundreds of friends have left messages on an internet messaging site set up in memory of Luke, a former pupil at the Alec Hunter Humanities College in Braintree.

One read: “R.I.P. Luke. Will never forget you, babes, you were a right laugh at school and you always cheered us up.

“You were amazing - I miss you so much. Sleep tight angel, X.”

Another, posted by former schoolmate Brad Rowe, read: “R.I.P mate. Gonna be missed by so many; gonna be missing you mate just to always make me laugh.

“You're a legend and won't be forgotten. Missing you already.”

Others have paid tribute to his easygoing nature and reminisced together about nights out clubbing, bowling and skating.

Another message, left by a poster named Kirsty-jade, read: “R.I.P Darling. You're gonna be terribly missed. You were such a great lad - such a shame you're still not here.

“Take care up there darling, make sure u watch over us all. You'll always be in our hearts. Love you forever mate.”

Colleague Georgina Wisbey left another touching message for Luke.

She wrote: “R.I.P. Luke. Missing you at work. Hope they look after you up there. You are going to be missed by many!! Xxxxxxx”

A funeral for close friends and family only has been arranged for May 6.