Just a few hours after pledging to track down his childhood best friend, a tradesman discovered his "inseparable" buddy had been found dead.

Lee Bridger walked past the former Dartford flat of friend, Marc Degan, last Wednesday.

He had not seen or heard from Redhill resident Mr Degan in 18 months.

Inspired by a stream of childhood memories, he logged onto the internet and typed his name into Google in an attempt to spark a reunion.

However, to his horror he discovered Mr Degan, 27, had just been identified as the dead man who appeared to have fallen to his death on Reigate Hill last Monday.

"I couldn't believe it when I saw it on the internet," the 26-year-old said.

"I was hoping to find an address for him so we could meet up for a beer or something, but there it was on the screen – Marc had been found dead under a bridge. It just didn't sink in until one of our friends confirmed it on Facebook. I tried to contact Marc's mum Marina to say how sorry I was.

The pair lost touch after Marc moved away from the Dartford area 18 months ago.

He said: "Marc moved into our estate in Sydenham when I was seven years old and we became best friends.

"He wasn't a Jack the lad and he wasn't a really quiet person either – he was just really easy going. Nobody had a bad word to say about him.

"I remember he went away to clear his head and I had no idea he had moved to Redhill.

"He is one of the best friends I have ever had and he will be sorely missed."

A funeral service for Mr Degan will take place today for friends and family.

Officers closed off Reigate Hill after motorists created a makeshift barricade around a body lying in the middle of the A217.

The road was closed off for several hours as police investigated the circumstances surrounding the death.

The road closure led to tailbacks in both directions of the M25, as officers directed drivers away from the scene.

Anyone with information can call police on 0845 125 2222.