A crime reporter known for his “love for weird news” has died of suspected heart failure aged 62.

Tributes have been paid to Raymond Brown, formerly of the Cambridge News.

Raymond, pictured, lost his wife Lisa six years ago and “had a lot of trouble getting over her death”, according to former colleagues

He worked for the News until 2019, when he appeared before the courts himself and was fined after pleading guilty to possessing crack cocaine.

Discussing his time at the News, ex-chief reporter Chris Elliot said: “Raymond was an excellent journalist. When he was working for the Cambridge News he got lots of great scoops and strange stories.

“I remember one particular story about one about someone who slapped a wet fish against the window of the Cambridge Conservative offices.

“Back in 2011, he got an exclusive that a guy had been arrested in Cambridge accused of trying to murder the King of Spain in 1997.

“He had a very good nose for a story and was a natural at reporting live from the scene on camera.

“He was a loving dad to Eddie and Alec who he leaves behind. Sadly they lost their mother, Lisa, in 2016, who died of cancer only aged 43.

“Raymond had a lot of trouble getting over her death but always did his best by them.”

Originally from Clydebank, near Glasgow, Raymond graduated from Middlesex University in 1992 with a degree in literary and cultural studies.

He worked at the Herts Mercury and then moved back to London as a reporter for Showbiz News, where according to his Cambridge News obituary his “love for weird news was born”.

David Bartlett, former Cambridge News editor, said: “Raymond had an infectious passion for journalism and storytelling – that was clear from the first time I met him.

“During my time as editor, he was always one of the most popular and loved figures in the newsroom. My thoughts and heart go out to his family, I know he will be dearly missed by everyone who loved Raymond.”

Raymond passed away in the early hours of 1 April at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, in Cambridge. He is survived by sons Aaron, Alec and Eddie and granddaughters Edith and Florence.

His funeral details are not yet known.