Touching tributes have been paid to a respected car dealer known for his big smile and business integrity.

Martin Ratner went missing from his New Malden home on Tuesday, May 8, and police found his body in the River Thames at Cherry Garden Pier, Wapping, just after 1pm on Sunday, May 19.

The 67-year-old owned the family business Martins Specialist Cars, which was established in 1984, and his reliability and friendly demeanour won him a loyal customer base.

Chris Hinchcliffe works at Surbiton Tyre and Wheel and regularly did business with Mr Ratner and said they would see him at least once a week.

He said: “We are absolutely devastated. He always had a big smile, which will be sorely missed.

“I wasn’t just a valued customer, he was a friend. He always bought us a few beers at Christmas and he always had a smile on his face.

“He was a cracking bloke.”

Penelope Bazire knew Mr Ratner for about 15 years and said she had bought about eight second-hand cars from him.

She wrote on the company website: “Mr Ratner’s integrity is beyond question. His business is run with clarity and probity.

“His service is such that, over the years, we have called on him for advice on many matters to do with our vehicles and have come to regard him as a trusted friend.”

A postmortem examination took place at St Thomas’ Hospital on Tuesday, May 22, but a cause of death was not conclusive so police are waiting for further toxicology reports to be carried out.

A police spokesman said at this time the death is being treated as unexplained and the coroner has been informed.

The family have been made aware.

Did you know Martin Ratner? To pay tribute to him email cbuchanan@london.

newsquest.co.uk or call 020 8744 4264.