Family pay tribute to man found dead in river

Police say they have now formally identified Seth Martin's body

The family of a Spanish man found dead in the River Ouse have said the tragedy "leaves an immense void that can never be filled".

Seth Martin, who lived in York and worked in a coffee shop, had been missing since 24 February when his body was recovered from the water on 16 June.

The 31-year-old has now been formally identified.

Mr Martin's family said he was "a light in our lives".

'Close this nightmare'

Their statement continued: "Words cannot express the pain and sadness we feel right now.

"Seth was more than a son, brother and friend. He was a light in out lives, someone who touched the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him."

Seth moved to York from London two years ago, having lived in the capital for eight years.

The hospitality worker was one of six siblings and had wanted to move back home to Tenerife where his family is based, a spokesperson for them told the BBC.

An inquest into his death will be opened on Friday. North Yorkshire Coroner's Court said his body was found in the Nether Poppleton area.

In their statement, Mr Martin's family said they planned to have his body repatriated to Spain.

"It will be then when we try to close this nightmare and learn to live with a piece of our broken heart forever," they added.

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