Tributes after fishing pool death

Mr Brian had been swimming with two friends at the pool

Tributes have been paid to an 18-year-old man who died after swimming in a fishing pool in Stoke-on-Trent.

Damien Brian got into difficulty at Goldendale Pools, in Tunstall, on Sunday afternoon, police said.

A community paramedic officer and a police officer repeatedly dived in to try to save Mr Brian who was pronounced dead at hospital.

Tributes at the scene described Mr Brian, of Tunstall, as "fun loving" and "the most popular lad on the street".

Mr Brian was swimming with two friends when he got into difficulty in the water.

The two men who tried to save him said the strong undercurrents and cold water conditions forced them to withdraw.

Witness appeal

Amanda Dodd, the former girlfriend of the teenager, was among people to put flowers by the pool.

She said: "He was a happy person and nothing would ever bring him down.

"He was a good entertainer and all his mates loved him. He was loved by everyone really. It's such a big shock."

Staffordshire Police said they believed the incident was a "tragic accident" and have appealed for any witnesses to come forward.

Ch Insp John Horrocks urged people not to swim in unauthorised places.