River youth who drowned is named

A boy who was swept away and drowned while playing on mud flats in Gloucestershire on Sunday has been named as Thomas William Richard Haile.

The 10-year-old, from Hardwicke, stepped into deep water while walking on the flats in Arlingham.

His body was found on Monday morning after an extensive search of the area.

The youngster was with other children when he disappeared in the River Severn between Newnham and Arlingham, a Gloucestershire Police spokesman said.

An inquest into the boy's death was opened and adjourned in Gloucester on Wednesday.

In a statement his family said: "Tom was a loving and sensitive boy who made an imprint on everyone he met.

"When he misbehaved no one could stay angry with him for long because he had a smile that could melt your heart."