TRIBUTES have been paid to an “old-school gentleman” who died suddenly on his doorstep.

John Molyneaux, 79, of Burnham Road, Romford, died on Tuesday afternoon outside his home.

Police said the death is not being treated as suspicious.

His friends and neighbours today paid tribute to a friendly man.

Carol Chiltern, 63, of Mimosa Close, Harold Hill said: “It is a tragic situation and a real shock to hear he has died.

“My daughter, who lives near him, was really upset when she heard.

“He was a lovely man, a really old-school gentleman.

“He was polite and would always hold the door open for you.

“And he really looked after himself. He would often walk into town and back, so he was quite fit.”

Mr Molyneaux, who is believed to have lived alone, worked as a butcher in Romford and Holland Park, west London, before retiring.

A friend of the family said: “I have known him for 45 years, and we got along really well. He used to have a butcher’s next to the post office and used to be very well known.

“He was a good family friend. My husband saw him on Monday and he seemed fine, so this has come as a terrible shock, especially since he looked after himself and would always walk into town.

“He will be missed by everyone who knew him, including me.”

Neighbour Eric Elsdon, 62, said: “He was a nice guy and really friendly. I heard he was out pottering around in the garden when he died.

“I knew him in passing and he would always say hello or give a friendly wave when he saw me.”

Joanne Hebden, 31, of Cedar Road, said: “I have not seen him for a while, but he seemed fine and healthy the last time I saw him.

“John was a nice polite man, a proper gentleman. He will be missed.”