The family of a man who was found dead in an alleyway have described him as a “troubled and tormented soul”.
Stephen Pope, 35, died after a suspected burglary in Mason Way, Waltham Abbey, on Thursday.
In a statement his family said: "This is a devastating tragedy for our family, one from which we will never recover.
"A hole has been ripped in our hearts and that void will never be filled.
"He was a troubled and tormented soul and was fighting many inner demons for most of his life.
"He had the ability to make you laugh and lift your heart, but unfortunately also the ability to break it into a thousand pieces.
"We all hope and pray Stephen can now find the peace that he could never find in this world.”
Albert Brinkley, 27, has been charged with burglary following the incident and will stand trial at Chelmsford Crown Court on March 25.
A 51-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of burglary and is currently on bail until April 7.
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