TRIBUTES have been paid to a man whose body was found on Weymouth seafront.

The man, named locally as David Prior, was discovered near the Jubilee Clock on Friday evening.

Two police cars and an ambulance were witnessed rushing to the scene at around 6.40pm. Police cordoned off the area whilst paramedics tended to the 44-year-old, who is believed to have been homeless.

Angie Barnes, from Soul Food, a Weymouth charity supporting the homeless, said Mr Prior had been a relatively new visitor.

She said: “I was there with the police. It's a great shame. He was a nice man and these deaths are always dreadful. He was known to Soul Food and he's going to be sorely missed.”

Gemma Halfon, who described Mr Prior as her best friend, said she was shocked by the news.

She said: “All I can say is David Prior was a wonderful man I'd known for a good few years (and) my best friend. He was loved by so many and will be truly missed by many.

“He was the kindest man I've ever known. I owe him a lot and will never forget him. I'm truly heartbroken at his passing.”

Ashia Croucher first met David three and a half years ago. 

She said: "When I came down here, I didn't know anybody. He took me in like I was one of his own.

"To me he was really special. He really cared. He took his time out to help anybody. He was really wonderful.

"You could talk to him about anything."

Cllr Mike Goodman, briefholder for community safety at Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said it was always a 'great sadness' when these things happened.

He said: "As a local authority we do what's best to help those that need help but we can't force people to take help.

"We fully support the voluntary organisations that reach out a helping hand and hope people will take the help that's on offer."

Cllr Joy Stanley, who represents Melcombe Regis at the borough council, said: "Obviously my deepest sympathies go to the family and I'm just appalled this sort of thing is happening in Weymouth.

"I just feel very sorry for the people concerned."

A spokesman for Dorset Police confirmed they were investigating Mr Prior's death.

He said: "Dorset Police are investigating an unexplained death of a 44-year-old male who was located on the Esplanade Weymouth in the early evening of Friday, January 9, 2015.

"Officers believe this to be an isolated incident and the coroner's officer has been informed."

Friends and family have left tributes for Mr Prior online, via social media and the Dorset Echo's website.

You can leave your tributes for Mr Prior by commenting below.