TWO men in their early 20s were found dead in the Newton Abbot area over the weekend, triggering a deluge of tributes on social media.

South Devon’s coroner has been informed of the deaths of Matthew Kenward and Kyle Deakin who knew of each other - although their deaths are not thought to be related.

Matthew, formerly of Coombeshead Academy and father of a toddler, worked at Coffee#1 in the town centre and played in a band.

He was discovered in woods off Bakers Park on Saturday while just 24 hours later Kyle, a talented footballer educated at Teign School, was found in the Broadpark area near the Kingsteignton Athletic club he played for.

Both young men were held in much affection with one Facebook tribute declaring: ‘Newton Abbot has lost two very big characters this weekend.’

Another declared: ‘We lost two amazing whole-hearted lads who will forever be missed and never be forgotten.

‘I cannot speak highly enough about either of them, seeing them both within just the last few days looking so happy and chirpy.’

Matthew’s employers at Coffee#1 said he was ‘an absolute dream’ to work with.

A note printed in the business’s window today (mon) said: ‘We will hold him deep in our hearts forever more. He was more than just a colleague to us. He was our friend.’

Kingsteignton FC said of Kyle: ‘He was one of our favourite Rams. We love you and will miss you. Sleep easy, knowing the football club will support your family day or night.’

Inquests detailing the circumstances of the tragedies are expected to open later this week with formal evidence of identity being submitted.

The hearings will then be adjourned for full inquests, likely to be later in the year.

Police confirmed this morning that neither death was being treated as suspicious.

A spokesman at police headquarters in Exeter said: ‘Officers were called at 11.26am on Saturday following reports that a body had been located in Bakers Park, Newton Abbot.

‘Emergency services attended and a man in his 20s was confirmed deceased at the scene. Next of kin have been made aware.

‘We are not currently treating this death as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.’

The spokesman added: ‘Officers were also called on Sunday to reports of concern for welfare of a man in his 20s who had been reported missing from Kingsteignton.

‘Police received a further call shortly after following reports that a body had been located nearby in the grounds of the rugby club in Newton Road.

‘He was confirmed deceased at the scene. The family of the missing man were updated of the development.

‘The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner. Both incidents are not believed to be linked.’

It’s understood a sum of more than £2,500 has already been raised in memory of Matthew by friends who have set up a Go Fund Me Page on the internet.

A similar fund-raising initiative has been set up for Kyle.

X-Factor finalist Luke Friend said on Facebook that it had been ‘an absolute honour’ to know Matt Kenward. He considered him ‘a brother’ who had ‘beautiful, courageous energy.’