Ipswich Town legend Terry Butcher’s son – former army captain Christopher – has died, it has been reported.

The 35-year-old son of the former Town and England defender had fought in Afghanistan, serving with the Royal Artillery.

His brother Edward last night paid tribute to him following his death yesterday morning.

He said: “It is with the up most sadness that I regret to say that my brother Christopher Butcher has passed away this morning.

“My older brother was the best brother I can ever of asked for and his death has hit the entire family hard.

“I wanted to put this on Facebook to inform all who knew him. We know how greatly he was loved.”

In a separate post, with a photograph of his brother, Edward added: “Chris you were my hero, you were my best friend and you were someone I would throw myself in the way of a truck for!

“Thank you for everything you ever taught me and I will miss you for the rest of my life but you will never be forgotten!”

Hundreds of messages of tributes have been left by friends on the Facebook post.

One wrote: “I’m shocked and a bit beside myself at this news. I can’t begin to imagine what you and the other Butchers are feeling right now, all I can do is send love, sympathy and condolences.”

Another added: “Ed, words can’t express my shock and sadness on reading this post. Chris was a fantastic friend to me and one of the best footballers I have had the pleasure of playing alongside. Thinking of your family in this very difficult time.”

And another said: “So sorry to hear about Chris. The big man will be greatly missed by so many, including my family and friends. An amazing friend who I shared many happy memories with and do anything for him. RIP Butch.”

Ipswich Town Football Club, for whom Butcher made more than 250 appearances in the 1970s and 1980s, has tweeted: “The thoughts of everyone at #itfc are with Terry Butcher and his family following the sad news of the passing of his son, Christopher.” And the Blues’ Norwich City Football Club Tweeted: “Everyone at Norwich City would like to pass on our condolences to Terry Butcher and his family at this sad time. #FootballFamily #ncfc”