Police name river death teenager

Police have repeated a warning about the dangers of the river

A teenager whose body was found by rescuers in a Herefordshire river has been named by police.

Stuart Thomson, 17, is believed to have got into difficulty while swimming in the River Wye in his home village of Bredwardine on Tuesday.

West Mercia Police deployed its air unit, search teams and dogs to look for the former Kingstone High School pupil. His body was found on Wednesday.

Head teacher Chris King said Stuart was a popular and helpful student.

He added that he had known his family for many years as Stuart's three siblings had also attended the school.

He gave a lot to our school and clearly he will be very much missed not just by students and staff but by the local community here Head teacher Chris King

"First of all, we are really deeply saddened by Stuart's death," Mr King said.

"Stuart was a popular student at Kingstone. We have known the family for many, many years.

"He was a very sociable student. He helped round the building, he helped the site manager and he helped with the gardens.

"He gave a lot to our school and clearly he will be very much missed not just by students and staff but by the local community here."

Mr King said that pupils are often warned in assemblies about the dangers of the River Wye, especially before summer holidays.

A permanent tribute at the school is planned.

A post-mortem examination was expected to take place in Hereford on Friday.