Tributes have been paid to a kind family man after he died in unexplained circumstances.

Nick Colyer, 36, was taken ill at a house in Bronte Road, Witham, on Saturday night.

Paramedics tried in vain to revive him.

Mr Colyer, who was unemployed, had lived in Braintree and was a doting uncle to his many nephews and nieces.

His family said: “He was an intelligent, kind and generous man and very family-orientated.

“He had a brilliant sense of humour, always laughing and joking and cheering people up."

Two men, aged 29 and 46 ,and a 29-year-old woman, all from Witham, were arrested in connection with theinvestigation.

Police said they were arrested on suspicion of possessing a Class A drug with intent to supply and bailed to November 24.

* Full story in today's Braintree and Witham Times.