The man found dead in Chigwell yesterday afternoon has been named locally as 21-year-old Irtaza Hussain, from Dagenham.
Police said a body was found in Hainault Forest, opposite Lakeland Close, shortly after 4.20pm.
A spokesman added: “The deceased is believed to be a 22-year-old man from Dagenham who was reported missing earlier that day.”
The death is not being treated as suspicious and a post-mortem will be scheduled in due course.
Friends of the man have flooded Twitter with tributes to Irtaza.
Ale Natiq wrote: “Farewell Irtaza Hussain - I just hope you’ve found the peace you missed for so long.”
The Ex-Muslims Forum described the young man as a “sensitive and beautiful soul”.
If you would like to leave a tribute, call 0208 477 3821 or email lizzie.dearden@archant.co.uk.
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