TRIBUTES have been paid to a Dursley man whose body was found on a bench in the centre of the town.


The man, named locally as Alex Docherty, was found just after 6am yesterday, Thursday, July 26 on a bench on Silver Street.


Clive Kuti, 49 of Dursley, had known Mr Docherty 30 years and used to drink with him in the Bell Hotel in Dursley.


Paying tribute to his friend he said: “He was a true gentleman and wouldn’t find a truer gentleman in the whole of Dursley.


“He was generous and such a happy go lucky character. A lively bloke.”

Soon after Mr Dochery’s death flowers were left on the bench in Silver Street in tribute.


One card read: “Alex, so sorry you’ve gone babe love you. You pain in the ass. Sharr x x x”


Another card said: “Alex, life and soul of the party. Love you so much.”

Mr Docherty’s body was discovered by early morning customers at the Newscentre on Silver Street who called the emergency services and attempted CPR.

Vijay Patel, who owns the newsagents and lived next door to Mr Docherty, said he saw someone on the bench but thought they were just sleeping and did not recognise his neighbour.


He said: “I opened the shop at quarter to six and saw someone across the road slumped. I didn’t take much notice because we do have a few people who take a rest there.”


Mr Patel said the alarm was raised after customers to his shop walked past the person and realised he was not moving.


He said: “A few customers of mine went over and tried resuscitating him but it was too late.”


Gloucestershire Police confirmed they had been notified by the ambulance service that a 58-year-old man had been found dead on Silver Street. Police said they were treating the death as unexplained.

It is believed Mr Docherty leaves a brother and a sister, who both live in Dursley.