A fundraising page has been set up for “our angel” Marcus, aged 23, by Zahra Bhatti who is raising money for his heartbroken family, including a twin sister, other brothers and sisters, and a stepson.

It comes after police cordoned off Park Street and the towpath along the Grand Union Canal canal up to Broughton last week (August 11) when they received reports of a body in the water.

On the GoFundMe page, Ms Bhatti wrote: “Marcus was such a joyful soul and had nothing but kindness, beauty and respect in his heart, and he had so much more life to live. He had moved away from London to begin a new chapter.

“His death is a huge shock to his family and friends and remains unexplained at this moment in time.

“We would like to give Marcus the send of he deserves. No-one is ever prepared for the heartache or financial worries of organising a funeral for a family member who has passed at such a young age, and no parent ever imagines that they would bury their own child.

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“My aunty Jane raised Marcus and his siblings as a single parent, when their dad died when they were all so young.

“Any donation is truly appreciated – and on behalf of my aunt and cousins (Marcus’s mum and siblings) we thank you for taking your time to read this page.

“Marcus you are missed and loved so much, fly high.”

She also described him as an “amazing dad” to his stepson.

In a heartbreaking tribute on Twitter, his twin sister, Stephi Josephiné, wrote: “I lost my best friend yesterday, my twin bro.”

She added: “Love you to the world and back bro.”

Fifty-seven people have helped to raise almost £2,000 so far, with many contributors also paying tribute to Marcus.

One wrote: “I remember Marcus as a sweet, naughty little boy, who lived a few doors away from us in Elmgrove.

“He used to pop over with his sister and Brother and play with my daughter when they were all little. R.I.P. Marcus. Condolences to Jane, Steph, AJ, and all the family.”

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While another said his family were “broken”, adding: “No parent ever believes that they will ever have to bury a child. Mine and my family’s heart, prayers, thoughts and love are with you all.”

Visit www.gofundme.com/f/lets-help-give-marcus-the-send-off-he-deserves to donate.

Police said his death is being “treated as unexplained but not suspicious”. Buckinghamshire Coroner’s Office was unable to