A family have paid tribute to a man who was found dead in woodland in Lower Darwen.
Earlier this week an appeal had gone out to trace Kevin Coates, 43, who had been missing from home. He was last seen on Tottenham Road, Darwen at 10.11pm on Tuesday, January 7.
This week, on Tuesday 14 January, a body of a man found off the road was confirmed to be that of Kevin.
A police car was parked was at the entrance to the land at the end of Tottenham Road off Branch Road on Friday.
Police and emergency services, including a private ambulance had been seen at the scene since Tuesday.
In a tribute his family said: “Kevin was a much-loved brother, father, son and uncle who touched the hearts and souls of everyone he met. He would light up the room.
“He was a gentle person with a big heart and a lovely nature. As a family we are absolutely heartbroken. Kevin – this is not a goodbye but a see you later.”
A Home Office postmortem examination has been carried out, but further enquiries are being undertaken to try and establish how Kevin died.
Before he went missing, Police received a report Kevin had been assaulted at his home address on Fowler Heights Close and officers are investigating that report.
Four people, a woman aged 56, and three men aged 37, 43 and 50, have been arrested in connection with the investigation into the assault and enquiries are ongoing.
Det Chief Insp Sarah Denson, said: “First and foremost my thoughts are with Kevin’s loved ones at this time.
“We are looking into the circumstances around the assault and the events leading to Kevin’s death and I would appeal to anyone who has any information which could assist to get in touch.”
Police they have referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to the previous contact they had with Kevin before he went missing.
Local residents said investigators had cordoned off an area inside the woodland. The small grassy area is also close to business units and a number of homes.
The access to the land from Tottenham Road (Image: Nq) One resident who lives close by said: “On Tuesday there were a number of police cars here and a private ambulance.
“It is a bit of a shock as this is a quiet street.
“Officers have been asked for CCTV footage of a man that’s seen walking past the houses and towards the woods and grassed area.”
Tottenham Close can be accessed past the Texaco Petrol Station is a cul-de-sac with terraced homes leading up to the woodland and grassland.
Anyone with information about Kevin going missing or about the assault should call 101 quoting log 0916 of January 17th. Alternatively you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.