The family of a man who was found dead in a river in Witham have paid tribute to a much-loved son, partner, father, brother, uncle and friend.

Speaking after the inquest into the death of Bradley Lewis, 25, on Monday, family members said they still had questions over his death.

His sister Sophie said her brother had suffered from mental health problems but had been denied help.

She said: “We are all upset a representative of the mental health services was not part of the inquest to answer the questions we had for them.

“We have not heard from them at all.

“He had two kids and a step-child and four nephews, he never got a chance to meet his new niece, she’s four months old now.

“He was a child himself, he would get the kids hyper by getting them sweets and he would stash them under their beds.

“He was a fun loving person who was loved by all of us so much.”

Bradley’s mother Michelle said she was sure her son would not have taken his own life.

She said: “My other son was found in a river in Rotherham and he swore he would never do that to us.

“This was a cry for help - he would never take his own life.

“He was too much of a wimp and he would not have left behind his kids and partner.”