Tributes have been paid to former Haven star Matthew Dalton.

Police said today that a man's body was found at Flatt Walks in Whitehaven this morning.

They have not confirmed his identity, but Haven chairman Tommy Todd said: "It's an absolute tragedy and our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.”

The 53-year-old was one of the most popular wingers in the history of Whitehaven Rugby League Club.

Mr Dalton, known as Jimmy, who was last seen on Sunday afternoon in Whitehaven town centre.

Following his disappearance, major searches were carried out by Cumbria police, St Bees RNLI and the Coastguard.

Appeals for information went viral on social media.

Mr Dalton was capped for England Under-24s against France in 1986.

Mr Todd said: “I was a director at the time Jimmy was playing for the club in the 80s and he really was quick.

“Jimmy scored some outstanding tries for us and he thoroughly deserved his call-up to the international side.

“But it was more than just his playing ability. He was a lovely, warm character who endeared himself to everyone at the club.

“After his playing career ended early and he had spent time in hospital he came back to the Recreation Ground where he was close to our groundsman Miles Todd and helped with a lot of the work.

“I had seen him at a couple of matches this season and was looking forward to seeing him a lot more times with his son Tyrone back in the Whitehaven squad."

Mr Dalton's son Tyrone has just re-signed for Haven after a spell in the amateur code with Kells.

Mr Dalton’s career was ended early by a debilitating illness called Castleman’s syndrome.

For more than 20 years he was treated with heavy doses of medical steroids until medics came up with a new treatment aimed at improving the quality of his life.

A Cumbria police spokesman said: "Formal identification has not yet taken place and enquiries are ongoing, however the death is not believed to be suspicious at this time."

The coroner has been informed.