The father of murdered schoolgirl Sarah Payne has died aged 45.

Michael Payne was found dead at a property in Brishing Lane, Maidstone.

A Kent police spokesman said: "The death is not being treated as suspicious. A report will be prepared for the coroner."

A nationwide missing person appeal was launched in July 2000 when the eight-year-old went missing while playing near her grandparents house in Kingston Gorse.

Payne had been playing with her brothers and sister in a nearby cornfield.

Mr Payne and his wife, Sara, made numerous television and newspaper appeals asking for help before on the evening of July 17, her body was found in a field near Pulborough.

Roy Whiting, a mechanic, from Horsham, was arrested and jailed for her murder.

It is understood Mr Payne had developed a drink problem following his daughter’s death.

In 2003 he split from his wife after 18 years together with both of them blaming the difficulties of coping with the tragic loss of their daughter.

Speaking at the time Mrs Payne, who became a child protection campaigner after her daughter's death, told the News of the World: ''We know we're not the same people we once were - and everyone knows the awful reason why.''

Mr Payne told the newspaper he felt guilty for being unable to protect his daughter and said this had put strain on his marriage.

Three years ago Mr Payne was jailed after pleading guilty to glassing his brother Stephen following a heavy drinking session during which both men consumed around three litres of cider each and a bottle of vodka.

His children paid tribute to him last night.

His daughter Charlotte posted a picture of her father on Facebook alongside a message saying she was "heartbroken".

She said: "No matter what happened and how many mistakes we all made. You will always be my daddy.”

She later added: "I'm sorry I couldn't save you dad. I hope you have finally found your peace and happiness."

Her brother Lee wrote: "Dad, you had your demons and troubles but you had a good heart and was a decent man! I hope now you have found peace at last! RIP, you will be missed. We are all heartbroken."