A TALENTED former Melksham man was found dead in Bristol on Monday.

Police today confirmed that a body found in the River Avon near Baltic Wharf on Monday was that of Sam Beckenham, 25.

It is believed that Mr Beckenham fell from the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

Avon and Somerset Constabulary said Mr Beckenham was of no fixed address but had lived in Bristol for some time.

"His family are being given the support and help they need," said a spokesman.

"Sam’s death is not being treated as suspicious and we are continuing to carry out enquiries on behalf of the Coroner’s Office."

Mr Beckenham had returned to Melksham in 2011 after having lived in London where he helped care for his sick grandfather, who died in August that year.

In September 2012 he appeared at  North West Wiltshire Magistrates’ Court where he pleaded guilty to supplying ecstasy to friends in exchange for food and lodgings and was sentenced to a community order, which included 150 hours of unpaid work.

Mr Beckenham was a talented singer-songwriter who performed regularly around Bristol at open mic nights and as a busker in the city centre.

His friends launched a missing person's appeal last week and fears quickly grew that he was involved in an incident at the suspension bridge last week.

Tributes on social media from friends said he was a 'genuinely lovely young man with a wonderful heart'.