Colleagues of a young man found dead in his Maidstone town centre flat have told of their sadness.

Kent County Council education specialist James Sutton, 27, died at his home near Brenchley Gardens.

Police are treating his death as unexplained and the results of a post-mortem were inconclusive.

One of those who worked with Mr Sutton spoke of how he will be remembered as someone who "made us all laugh and smile with his infectious sense of fun".

Mr Sutton's body was discovered last Friday morning after neighbours reported someone trying to break in.

But the suspected intruder was actually a concerned friend trying to attract his pal's attention.

Police were seen searching McKenzie Court, a smart multi-storey housing block that backs onto the park and looks out over the River Medway.

The area was sealed off for several hours while forensics officers investigated.

Neighbours at the flats said Mr Sutton was a quiet man who lived alone.

Katherine Atkinson, KCC performance and information manager, who worked with Mr Sutton in the Education, Learning and Skills Management Information Unit, said: "James' death has shocked and saddened us.

"He has been a valued member of staff for over six years and in that time he has made us all laugh and smile with his infectious sense of fun."

She added: "He had excellent working relationships with teams in KCC and also with schools.

"He doesn't just leave colleagues behind, he leaves close friends too.

"He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time."

Mr Sutton was a pupil at Oakwood Park Grammar School before going on to study fine art at MidKent College. He was born in the town.

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