The devastated family of an offshore worker who died on a gas platform off the east coast have paid tribute to him as an 'exceptional fiancé, brother, son and uncle' who was 'loved by so many people'.

A statement from the family of Tyron Jones, from Lowestoft, said: 'We simply can't imagine our lives without him.'

The 43-year-old, who worked for offshore energy firm Perenco, suffered fatal injuries on a gas platform 70 miles off the Norfolk coast on Monday (December 5).

Norfolk Police has launched a joint investigation with the Health and Safety Executive.

'We're all devastated by the sudden and tragic loss of Tyron,' said the statement from Mr Jones' fiancé, mother, father and sister.

'He was an exceptional fiancé, brother, son and uncle.

'He would've done anything for anyone at any time.

'He was very generous. He had so many friends and was loved by so many people.'

A Perenco spokesman said earlier this week: 'Perenco can confirm that a man has died after an incident on board the Perenco 23A gas platform in the southern north sea.

'All employees on board the platform, north east of Bacton, were unhurt in the incident.

'Representatives of Perenco are currently with the family and we will be doing all we can to support them in these difficult times.

'All relevant authorities have been notified and we are working very closely with them.'

Perenco has bases in London, Paris and Norwich and a workshop and warehouse in Great Yarmouth.

It also operates the industrial processing plant at Bacton.