Tributes have been paid to former London gangster-turned-author Dave Courtney, who has died aged 64.

Courtney was found dead at his home on Chestnut Rise, Plumstead, on Sunday, and one close friend from Kent said it was “such a sad loss” that has “broken many hearts”.

His death was announced in a post on his Instagram account, which said he had taken his own life.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Courtney at the age of 64,” the post said.

“Dave tragically took his own life in the early hours of Sunday 22nd October, with a firearm at his Camelot Castle home in Plumstead.”

Among those paying tribute to Courtney is Chatham author Rocky Troiani, who says he had been left heartbroken.

“This is a post I never thought I would be writing,” he said.

“The loss of Dave Courtney is beyond words... so heartbreaking to write.

“Dave had been a close friend for many years as well as a great support for my charity work.

“Dave had a heart of pure gold and would help anyone that genuinely needed it.

“I will miss my Christmas Eve call this year.

“Such a sad loss and one that has broken many hearts too. God bless you sir you will be so sadly missed.”

In one of his last social media posts, Courtney shared a video on his Instagram page of his visit to The Royal Oak in New Ash Green, near Sevenoaks.

He said he had a “wicked little afternoon” and enjoyed a “lovely roast” and “great drinks” earlier this month.

The pub also posted a picture of Courtney outside and wrote: “Was really nice to be joined by our good friend @davidcourtneyobe and family.”

In his final Facebook post, Courtney could be seen watching Charlton Athletic beat Reading 4-0.

The ex-criminal enjoyed the “full works” at The Valley stadium, eating a three-course meal.

Courtney, who claimed to be an associate of the notorious Kray twins, was rumoured to be the inspiration behind Vinnie Jones’s character in Guy Ritchie’s gangster film Lock, Stock, And Two Smoking Barrels.

However, he swapped his life of crime to become an author.

He published six books, and starred in a film called Hell To Pay.

The Metropolitan Police said officers attended an address on Chestnut Rise at around 11.25am following reports of a man found deceased.

A 64-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene, the force said.

His family has been informed.

Formal identification has not taken place, and the death is currently being treated as unexpected and is under investigation.

No arrests have been made, the Met Police added.