The family of a man who was found dead in the North Sea after going missing from Kent almost four months ago have paid tribute.

Liam Graham was reported missing from Lower Stoke in Medway, on Saturday, July 22.

The 22-year-old’s disappearance prompted extensive searches by police for several weeks.

Kent Police was contacted by the Dutch authorities on November 6 after a man’s body was found. 

It was later confirmed the recovered body belonged to Liam and his family have since been informed.

Liam’s family have since paid tribute in a statement released by Kent Police yesterday (November 14).

It says: “Thank you to everyone who has shown us so much support and help throughout the agonising days while Liam was missing.

“Thank you to everyone who has donated to the GoFundMe page which was set up as a reward for information, but is sadly now being used to bring our Liam home and give him the most beautiful send-off that he deserves.

“We cannot put into words the utter heartache that as a family we are going through daily, following the devastating news of our Liam’s passing.

“Liam was the kindest, most caring and loving young man, who was loved very much in return.

“He was a wonderful son, brother and loving uncle whose memory lives on with us all. We will miss you very much LeeLees.”

Detective Inspector Paul Fewtrell said: “I have been in touch with the Dutch authorities and they have confirmed that Liam’s remains were found in the North Sea.

“We are continuing to work with the authorities in Rotterdam, the British Consulate at The Hague and the coroner’s office, to fully understand the circumstances and to make arrangements for repatriation back to the UK.

A spokesperson for Kent Police said: “The remains of a man missing from #Medway were found in the North Sea, officers have confirmed. Liam Graham, 22, was reported missing on Saturday 22 July 2023, from #LowerStoke.

“Officers carried out extensive searches to find him over several weeks but were unable to locate him.

“On Monday 6 November, Kent Police was contacted by the Dutch authorities after the remains of a person were found in the water.

“On the following day, it was confirmed these remains belonged to Mr Graham.”