Construction workers on the site where a man died in the cabin of his crane 120 feet in the air have paid tribute to a “very popular” member of the team.

The desperate race to save John Richards, who suffered a suspected cardiac arrest in his cab last week, ended in tragedy when he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Paramedics worked with around 20 firemen in a frantic battle to save the 51-year-old after he collapsed in the cabin of a crane on Wednesday morning.

But Mr Richards was pronounced dead at the scene in Vernon Road, Bow.

Co-workers on the site, run by contractors Higgins Construction, said he was “very popular”.

In a joint statement, they added: “We would like to offer our condolences to his friends and family. “There’s much to be remembered and much to be thankful for as we remember John Richards and the way he shared his life with all those around him.

“These are gifts that no-one will take away. He will be greatly missed, forever cherished and always remembered. RIP.”

Police are not treating the death as suspicious.