Tributes have been paid to a Kirkdale man who was found dead in Stanley Dock yesterday, after being missing for more than two weeks.
The body of 25-year-old Thomas Burns, who worked in city centre bar Popworld, was discovered in the early hours of the morning.
Condolences from Twitter users, who have been trying to raise awareness to try and find him using the hashtag #findtomburns, have expressed their shock and sorrow at the news of his discovery.
Tom went missing from his Kirkdale home over two weeks ago after leaving his mobile phone and his wallet there.
His sister, Caitlin, was the last person to see him at around 5am after he had returned home from a night’s work at Popworld.
His father, Danny, and sister organised a Twitter campaign that attracted the attention of thousands of people across Merseyside in the hope of finding Tom and getting him home safely.
Local group, The Tea Street Band were quick to offer their condolences on Twitter. They said: “So sad to see they’ve found Tom Burns. Puts everything into perspective. RIP & thoughts to his family.”
The Farm singer, Peter Hooton, who is a friend of Tom’s father, Danny, has also expressed his upset at the discovery of Tom and tweeted: “ With the terrible news of the body of Tom Burns being found in Stanley Dock this morning I won’t be on Twitter for a while #TomBurnsRIP .”
X Factor finalist, Scouser Christopher Maloney, who had tweeted to raise the profile of the search for Tom, and he also expressed his condolences yesterday. The Kirkdale singer tweeted: “To the family of Tom Burns. Have just heard. I am truly very sorry to hear the sad news. All my love and prayers with you at this time.”
Condolences are also being offered not only by people who knew Tom and his family, but also fellow Everton supporters, as Tom was a lifelong Blues fan.
One user, @EvertonArentWe, said: “R.I.P. Tom Burns. Our thoughts are with your family and friends. Once a blue always a blue x.”
Staff and friends at Popworld put up pictures of Tom and even used the interactive screens in the club to advertise the hashtag #Findtomburns. One member posted on the Popworld Facebook group: “RIP Tom!! You were by far the best bar man in that place! Always had a big happy smile.. So many people will miss you mate! My love goes too all his family at this horrible time!! xxx.”
Merseyside Police say that Tom has been formally identified and his family have been informed. A post mortem will also be carried out to determine the cause of his death.
A spokesperson for the police did state that the cause Tom’s death is not believed to be suspicious.