THE unexplained death of a young man who was the son of a well-known businessman has shocked a west Suffolk town.

Jamie Thompson – known as Jay to friends and family – was found dead outside the rear of a shop in Gainsborough Street, Sudbury, on Tuesday afternoon.

The tragedy has left his mother and father, David and Patricia Thompson, having to endure the loss of their second son in just five years.

Jamie’s body was discovered by police officers just after 4pm at the back entrance to the China Shop, which is just a few doors away from his father’s businesses – The Salt House Winebar and the Movie Shop.

Within hours of his death, friends began paying tribute to the 24 year old.

Matt Seddon, who lived in Sudbury for six years, said: “He was a great mate and like a brother to me. When I lived in Sudbury, I used to see him every day and he was simply a great bloke. This is an absolute tragedy for his family especially after the death of his brother Dan.”

Dan Thompson, 30, Mr and Mrs Thompson’s eldest son, was killed in a car crash just before Christmas in 2004.

Within a year, further tragedy hit the family when their niece Charlotte Thompson, 13, the daughter of Mr Thompson’s brother Reg, was killed along with her school friend when they were struck by a train at Elsenham train station, in Essex.

More tributes were placed on internet social networking sites throughout the night and day following Jamie’s death.

One said: “My thoughts are with Trish [mother] David, Simon and Fran [brother and sister] at this god-damn awful time – the big guy up there must think you are one strong family. Jamie will be truly missed.”

Another said: “It is a cruel world. Why does one family have to endure so much heartbreak?”

And another added: “Thanks for the nice day today Jay. Shame we couldn’t be down Liston like the first time we met, such an amazing bloke. Rest in peace, you gorgeous man.”

Police were called to the scene after receiving reports that a man’s body with blood on it was lying outside the property backing on to Weavers Lane just a few feet from the Thomas Gainsborough Museum.

He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police launched an investigation into the death which was still being described as unexplained yesterday. A post-mortem is due to take place today.

A police cordon was put up around the shop as forensic teams carried out an investigation of the property. The cordon remained in place throughout yesterday.

Anyone who may have seen or heard anything in the area on Tuesday afternoon should call Suffolk police on 01473 613500.

jonathan schofield