The friend of a man who died from multiple injuries in Chingford last week said his greatest memories of his companion are of him dancing to songs sung by his favourite band, Madness.

Stephen Grant has paid tribute to his “charismatic” companion Mark Smith, 48, who he had known for three years before he died on Thursday, February 15.

He had one daughter, Charlotte.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Mr Smith was found injured in Garenne Court, Warren Road, on Thursday morning and died shortly afterwards. Carol Campling, 38, has been charged with his murder.

Mr Grant, 51, said: “Mark will always be in my memories. It is a very tragic situation. I was certainly shocked by his death.

“He was a kind of charismatic guy. He was eccentric and quite shy. We would often meet up and have food together and go to the cinema.

“One memory of him that stands out in my mind is him dancing to songs by the band Madness. He loved the group. That’s something that sticks in my mind.”

A post-mortem examination which took place on Saturday gave the cause of death as multiple injuries.

A 63-year-old man who was arrested on uspicion of murder in the early hours of Friday has been released under investigation.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Mr Grant, who lives in north Chingford, first met Mr Smith after the pair were introduced by a mutual friend. He added: “Mark had a good sense of humour but unfortunately he had very little support around him and he was very isolated.

“He had social issues which he was trying to sort out. He had been going to a church in Kings Road in Chingford for the past six months and he received support there and it really helped him.

“Mark was quite conscientious. He had a great love for his daughter Charlotte.”