TRIBUTES have flooded in after former Canvey Island FC defender Christian Mbulu tragically passed away at the age of just 23 on Tuesday.

Mbulu, who made three appearances for the non-league Gulls during a loan spell from Millwall in 2016, was found dead at an address in Cottam, Lancashire.

Canvey were among those to pay their respects to Mbulu.

The Isthmian North club tweeted: “We are shocked and saddened to learn of the untimely passing on one-time Canvey loanee defender Christian Mbulu. A tragedy at the age of 23. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this terrible time.”

Mbulu also came through the youth ranks at East Thurrock United FC.

Rocks paid tribute in a club statement which read: "We are saddened to hear of the tragic death of Christian Mbulu, who played for the Rocks at youth level and proved to be very popular during his time at the club.

"Another of life's tragic victims. Everyone at the club sends our sincere condolences to his family and many friends among the footballing fraternity, who are very much in our thoughts at this desperate time."

Police have confirmed Mbulu’s death is not being treated as suspicious.

A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: "We were called at around 1.30pm today (May 26) to an address on Greenfinch Avenue, Cottam, to reports of a sudden death.

"We attended and sadly found the body of a man aged in his 20s.

"There are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and a file will be passed to the coroner in due course.

"Our thoughts are very much with his family and friends at this sad time."

Mbulu also enjoyed stints in Essex with Brentwood Town and Braintree Town.

The defender featured in Scotland for Motherwell, before returning to England with Crewe Alexandra and Morecambe.