THE body of a man found in Upton-upon-Severn at the weekend is believed to be that of Paul Thomas, the town’s former mayor.

Although the body is yet to be formally identified, tributes were paid to Mr Thomas, aged 55, yesterday by former colleagues and friends.

Mr Thomas stepped down as mayor in February after he was arrested on suspicion of committing a voyeuristic act.

Peter Webb, chairman of Upton Tourism and Trade Association, said: “I feel very sorry for his family.”

Mr Thomas was one of the founding members of Northway Lane-based Patrico in 1983 but resigned from his position as sales director of the industrical container stockists following his arrest in February.

Patrico’s managing director, Robert Lanchbury, said: “We’re very sorry that this tragic situation has happened, particularly after having worked with Paul for 27 years.”

South Worcestershire police said they were investigating the unexplained death of a man whose body was discovered by a male dog walker at about 6.10am off Dunns Lane.

A spokesman said an inquest would now be opened and a post-mortem examination carried out.

Mr Thomas, who lived in Malvern with his wife and daughters, cited personal reasons for his resignation as mayor and town councillor of Upton. He was replaced by Simon Yates.

He had been elected mayor in May last year.

Following his resignation, councillors wrote to Mr Thomas thanking him for all his hard work during his years on the council and wished him well for the future.

Mr Thomas was arrested and questioned by police on suspicion of voyeurism by recording a private act. Under Section 67 of the Sexual Offences Act, it is an offence for a person to record a private act with the intention that that person or a third party would gain sexual gratification.

He had been due to answer bail at Worcester Police Station next month.