A man found dead on Whitstable beach on Thursday morning has been named as Darren Crawley.

The 26-year-old’s body was discovered by a dog walker near Keam's Yard car park at 5.30am.

The multiple sclerosis sufferer, who lived in the town and walked with a cane, was last seen at the Wall Tavern pub in Middle Wall at 10.30pm on Wednesday night.

He was found on the beach above the high water mark, but police confirmed his clothes were wet.

Officers sealed off the area for more than four hours until his body was taken away at 9.50am.

Mr Crawley’s next of kin has been informed and a coroners’ officer appointed.

Det Insp Nick Greenan said his death was not being treated as suspicious.

He said: "Mr Crawley was a regular at the Wall Tavern in Middle Wall.

"He was last seen leaving the pub at 10.30pm. As he walked with a cane, we are appealing for witnesses who may have seen him as he made his way home.

"At this moment his death is not regarded as suspicious, but unexplained.

"Mr Crawley’s body was found above the high water mark. There was no rain last night but he was wet.

"We’re hoping CCTV cameras at the Wall Tavern and in Keam's Yard car park may shed light on his last movements."