"HE was a genuine, hard-working and caring family man who was adored by all who knew him."

Those were the words of the devastated family of a man who was found dead near Southampton Common last weeks.

Thursday marked seven days since the last time 66-year-old airport worker Gerald Pragnell was seen alive.

Mr Pragnell's family paid tribute to him and said: “Dad was a loving father, grandad, partner, brother and uncle.

“He was a genuine, hard-working and caring family man who was adored by all who knew him.

“He was a natural joker who lit up the room with his mischievous sense of humour.

“We have so many stories and memories that will always remain with us and he will always be hugely missed by us all.

“Dad was taken from us much too soon and we’re devastated that he won’t be part of our future.”

A man has since been charged with murder and officers were speaking to people in the Cemetery Road area, near where Mr Pragnell’s body was found, as part of the investigation.

Tommy Scott, 34, of no fixed abode, is alleged to have killed Mr Pragnell and dumped him in woodland off Cemetery Road.

He appeared at Winchester Crown Court on Thursday and a provisional trial date of April 2019 has been set.

Detectives are appealing to anyone who may have seen Mr Pragnell or his car, a silver Mercedes GLA, registration GIW 4045, in the Cemetery Road area on November 1, between 6.30am and 8.30am, to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Morgan, said: “You might not know it, but you could have vital information stored on your dash cam from last Thursday.”

Police want to hear from those who were in the area of Cemetery Road between 6.30am and 8.30am on Thursday, November 1.

DCI Morgan said: “We know that people tend to follow the same weekly routine, so that is why we are back at the scene.”

Mr Pragnell, who worked for parking firm APCOA at the airport, lived on a houseboat at Shamrock Quay, near where his son has boat building business.

If you have any information that could assist, call 101 and quote Operation Experience. Alternatively, make a report using the following link https://mipp.police.uk/operation/44HC18W07-PO1.

Or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.