THE heartbroken family of dad-of-four Marcus Shaw have paid an emotional tribute to the 43-year-old who 'will be greatly missed'.

In a statement released on behalf of the family, his loved ones said: “We are devastated with the loss of Marcus.

"He was the central part to our family and a dearly loved son, brother, father, grandfather, partner, uncle and friend to many, many people.

"He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

"As a family we would like to pass on our gratitude to all those who assisted in the search for Marcus since his disappearance on Saturday, in particular Cheshire Police and the search and rescue team volunteers.”

Tributes have continued to flood in following the news of the family man’s death.

Posting on Facebook, Sharon Abbott said: "We are heartbroken still doesn't seem real.

"Thank you so much for giving me two beautiful daughters.

"I know you will always be watching over them as they grow!

"We will miss you so so much."

Yvonne Eltringham said: “I am in shock!!! So gutted for all his family and friends. He was a top bloke! Thoughts and prayers with you all.”

Jo Watson added: “So sad. Haven't seen Marcus for 25 years. He came across as such a tough lad, but he was so nice when you got to know him.”

Karen Wrench said: “Aw RIP Marcus. Remembering when you came to our house in Latchford years ago. Lovely respectable guy. Thoughts to you all.”

Lyn Stone added: “Marcus we will never forget you. You was like a big brother to my two girls when they were growing up.

“Our thoughts and love go to Pauline Ian, Sally, Paul Shaw, Marcus's children and his partner Jo.”

Formal identification took place this afternoon. 

It was reported yesterday, Wednesday, how police investigating the disappearance of the missing dad-of-four had found a body.

A member of the public is understood to have made the discovery at 1.30pm off Beechtree Lane in a field in between High Legh and Lymm­– four days after the 43-year-old was reported missing by his family.

Detectives have confirmed officers are not treating the death as suspicious at this time but investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the death.

A file is now being prepared for the coroner.

Police have confirmed a post-mortem examination will to take place in due course. 

Mr Shaw was last seen on Saturday at 2pm at his home on Keswick Avenue after telling loved ones he was going to the hairdressers.

As concern grew for the former William Beamont High School pupil, who has four daughters aged four to 27, police had stepped up the search in Lymm and High Legh.

Underwater search teams, the dog unit and the National Police Air Service were deployed to Warrington and the surrounding areas as part of the search.

Volunteers from Cheshire Search and Rescue team also descended on the area to offer their assistance.

Detectives had released a CCTV image of Mr Shaw pictured shortly before he was reported missing.

The footage was captured at a barber shop in the centre of Lymm which he visited a short time before his disappearance on Saturday.

Police also confirmed Mr Shaw was last seen walking along High Legh Road at 4.30pm on the same day, heading in the direction of the M56 bridge.

His car containing his phone inside was also discovered near to The Jolly Thresher pub in Lymm.

Warrington Guardian:

Pictured: The Jolly Thresher pub in Lymm

His eldest daughter Lucy Bedford, who has endured sleepless nights since she was informed of his disappearance, had issued a public plea for her dad’s safe return.

The 27-year-old mum-of-two from Orford told the Warrington Guardian about the heart-breaking moment her sons took in posters to school to help with the search to find their granddad.

She said: “I don’t feel like I’m here – I feel like I’m somewhere else.

“My sons went into school with poster of their granddad – they just want to hug him.”

His partner Joanne Lyne had also made a public appeal on Facebook describing the 43-year-old as her ‘gorgeous man’ and ‘best friend’.

Mr Shaw, who studied hairdressing at the Warrington Collegiate, had passed a HGV course in the summer and had a job interview this week.