TRIBUTES have been paid to a teenager who died at a county quarry.

Police announced on Thursday that following an extensive search of Shavers End Quarry - known as Blue Lagoon, near Stourport, the body of a 17-year-old had been found.

The teenager has been named locally as Haider Ali, understood be from Birmingham, with family calling him the "life and soul" of their family.

He had taken the trip to the quarry, known as Blue Lagoon, with his friends on Wednesday and after getting into difficulty in the water they tried to rescue him.

Speaking to the BBC family friend, Nav Sadiq, said one of the friends on two occasions tried to save him.

"But he felt there was a force that was dragging him down," Mr Sadiq said.

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"He had to make that conscious decision, do I let go or do I stay with him.

"The family send out the very strong message he who saves one life saves the whole of mankind. The message they want everybody to take on board that if it is not safe, stay away."

While formal identification has not yet taken place the coroner has been informed, and police officers are continuing to support Mr Ali's family.

After we posted the tragic news, readers took to social media to pay tribute to the teenager.

Becky Jones said: "This is my daughter's friend it's so sad RIP."

Bridget Kings said: "Very sad. RIP young man, my thoughts and sympathy are with his family."

Annie Ward said: "My heart goes out to all who love him. RIP."

Annette Smith said: "So sad poor lad so young, so sorry for his family bless them. We were all young once thinking it won't be me."

Lydia Pitt said: "My hearts just sank. Poor boy, poor family, poor rescue team. Just heartbreaking."

Shakayla Bailey said: "So very sad. Thoughts are with the parents."

SIain Askew said: "My thoughts are with their family."

Julie-Anne Goode said: "Very sad, my heart goes out to the parents, truly heartbreaking just starting out in life. This is horrible."