Former chauffeur Paul Lingham, who was found dead at the weekend, has today been described by his sister as a “loving gentle giant”.

Mr Lingham, 36, a father to four-year-old Jasmine, and Keira two, was pronounced dead at a flat in Ipswich on Saturday. Investigations are still ongoing surrounding the cause of death. A 44-year-old Ipswich man was arrested on Saturday afternoon on suspicion of murder and was released on bail until May 4.

Shona Lingham, 24, said her older brother, who once drove celebrities including model Naomi Campbell across London for his job, would be remembered as a loving father who would help anyone.

She said: “Paul was a lovely man who adored his two girls and would have a hug with anybody.

“He had a presence about him. He was 6ft 4ins but was really a gentle giant – he wouldn’t hurt a fly.

“Paul was the life and sole of the party and had many friends in Ipswich.

“It’s been very hard telling them what’s happened. I’m going to miss his friendly, bubbly personality loads.”

Mr Lingham, 36, was born in Dublin but moved to Ipswich around seven years ago after his family settled in the area. Prior to that he had lived in London where he worked as a concierge at Claridge’s Hotel and a chauffeur driver.

Ms Lingham added: “Paul loved his cars and driving so being a chauffeur was perfect for him. He absolutely loved the job and drove several big name celebrities including Naomi Campbell.

“When he came back to Ipswich while I was at school he would come and pick me up in the posh cars that he drove.

“I’ll never forget the look on my friends faces when he turned up outside school in a Rolls Royce – they thought we were loaded!

“Paul was a family man and fatherhood came naturally to him. He’ll be missed by everyone.”

Peter Green, the manager of The Salvation Army in Fore Street, Ipswich, where Mr Lingham was a resident, also paid tribute to him.

He said: “We are naturally saddened to hear that Mr Lingham has died and as a Christian organisation, we send out our prayers and regards to his family and loved ones. We are offering support to anyone here who has been affected by his passing as well as giving our full cooperation to the police investigation.”

A funeral for Mr Lingham has yet to be arranged.

Source: Evening Star – Ipswich