Craig Foy’s body was found this week with one person on police bail for his murderCraig Foy(Image: MEN Media)

Tributes have been paid to a ‘character’ from Bury with a ‘huge heart of gold’ after police searching for him found a body.

Craig Foy, 40, also known as Craig Kirwan, vanished on Saturday, July 26, after last being seen near Bury Old Road in Prestwich.

A major search operation was commenced which was then take over by Greater Manchester Polices Major Incident Team.

They said CCTV showed Craig, from Whitefield, ‘climbing into Heaton Park‘ shortly before midnight on the night he went missing.

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Searches took place in and around the park over the weekend and earlier this week (Monday, August 4) GMP confirmed a body had been found.

A large number of messages of condolence have been paid to his family(Image: Greater Manchester Police (GMP))

Formal identification was yet to take place but it was believed to be that of Craig, the force said.

It was revealed over the weekend that, prior to Craig’s body being discovered, three people were arrested on suspicion of murder as part of the enquiry.

One remains on bail whilst two others were released with no further action.

Detective Chief Inspector Jill Billington, from GMP’s Serious Crime Division, said on Monday: “The investigation remains ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to Craig’s death, and to ensure that we can get the answers that his family deserve.

“We appreciate the support of the public in sharing our appeals to locate Craig and ask for his family to be given privacy, space and time to process their loss.”

‘Huge heart of gold’

Friends and loved ones have now taken to social media to pay moving tributes following the tragic news.

One said on Facebook he had a ‘huge heart of gold’ which had ‘gone to waste.’

Another said: “Not a day has passed this week when I’ve not thought about you and this is not the outcome I wanted to hear. My newsfeed has been lit up with everyone’s beautiful words about you which shows what an impact you had on people.

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“My thoughts are with your loved ones at this awful time x”

A third said: “Rip one of my oldest best friends in life my heart an soul go out to all the family.”

Zippy Donnelly said on the Manchester Evening News Facebook page: “RIP Craig absolutely heartbreaking sleep tight mate gone way to soon.”

Liane Ward said: “Not the outcome we all hoped for. What a character you were. Thinking of your loved ones at this sad time.”

Joanne Hill said: “Absolutely devastated gonna be greatly missed my mate.”

Blaize Lawler said: “Such sad sad news.. another top lad gone way too soon.”

Whilst Aimee Louise said: “RIP Craig sending love to your mum and brothers and sister heartbreaking gone way to soon xx