School pays tribute to ex-pupil who drowned in river

Ronalds Abele, 17, died after he was airlifted to Northampton General Hospital

The former school of a 17-year-old boy who drowned after getting into difficulty while swimming in open water has described him as "much loved".

Ronalds Abele died after he was pulled from the Embankment, next to the River Nene in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, on Friday afternoon, Northamptonshire Police said.

He was airlifted to Northampton General Hospital but pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

On Facebook, Wrenn School in Wellingborough said Ronalds had "a kind heart and a brilliant smile".

Emergency services were called just after 13:45 BST on Friday following reports a teenager had got into difficulty while swimming in open water at the Embankment.

Part of the area was sealed off, nearby roads were closed and boaters were prevented from entering the area.

Floral tributes have been left at the site

The Embankment is a popular riverside walking and picnic area and several bunches of flowers have been left in tribute.

The incident happened as temperatures in Northamptonshire rose to 22C (72F).

Wrenn School said Ronalds was "much loved by his fellow students and staff alike and will be enormously missed".

It said it would be supporting pupils in school and directing them to "any counselling support they need".

"The death of a student is always a tragedy for a school, but particularly so in circumstances such as these," the statement said.

Northamptonshire Police said the teenager's family had requested privacy "at this very distressing time".