The father of a boy found dead at the bottom of cliffs with his mother says he has lost his "brightest star".

The bodies of 42-year-old Cheryl Tompsett and her five-year-old son Leo Tompsett were found yesterday at Beachy Head.

Police and coastguards were called at 7am, and recovered the bodies using a helicopter.

They are both from Maidstone, and the discovery yesterday follows a recent spate of bodies being recovered from the beauty spot.

Following the tragedy, the boy's father issued an emotional statement.

He said: “With more sadness and hurt than anyone can imagine, our precious Leo who was our shining light, our brightest star has had his life cut short.

“We all miss him an amount beyond what anyone else can imagine and would request that our privacy is respected at this very difficult time.”

Police say there were no suspicious circumstances involved in the mother and son’s death.

Detective Inspector Simon Dunn said: “Our investigation continues in this tragic case, however, at this time, there is nothing to suggest that anyone else was involved in their deaths.

“Detectives are in the process of piecing together the last moments of their lives.”

The coroner has been informed and inquests will be held into the deaths.