Missing boy Rony John's body found in River Great Ouse

Emergency services searched the river after reports that a boy had got into difficulty

The body of a boy who went missing in the River Great Ouse in Cambridgeshire has been recovered from the water.

Rony John, 15, went missing in the river close to Church Lane in Hartford at about 15:30 BST on Thursday.

A Cambridgeshire police spokesman said: "Following searches of the river at Hartford, a body was recovered shortly after 02:00 BST."

Rony's school, St Peter's in Huntingdon, said staff were "devastated".

Rescue workers continued to search the river at Hartford on Thursday evening

Head teacher Val Ford, said: "It's a tragic start to the holiday. It's devastating news.

"My condolences go out to all the family and support will be put in place for the students during the summer if they need it."

A bunch of flowers was left on the bank of the river early in the morning

The teenager's death is not being treated as suspicious, the police spokesman said.

Rony has not yet been formally identified by the coroner, he added.

Water rescue specialists were called in to assist in the search

It is thought Rony was playing with a group of friends in the water when he got into difficulty.

'Went under'

About 20 officers from Cambridgeshire Police, members of the fire service and water rescue specialists from Spartan Rescue were involved in the search.

Rony's body was found in the water in the early hours of the morning

A school friend said Rony was with a group of people when he got into difficulty after jumping into the water.

Friends tried to help him, but they lost sight of him when he went under.

Tributes have been left near the river from friends and members of staff at Rony's school in Huntingdon

Tributes from friends and staff at the school have been left on the banks of the Great Ouse where Rony was playing.

A tribute page, RIP Rony John, was also set up on Facebook on Thursday night.

One friend wrote: "Heaven's gained a wonderful angel."

Another said she was "heartbroken" and said Rony "brightened up everyone's day".

Rony had been playing in the river with about 15 friends when he got into difficulty in the water

Rony was a pupil at St Peter's School in Huntingdon

The former mayor of Huntingdon, and Hartford resident, Sid Akthar, said: "My deepest sympathies go out to the family on this tragic news."

Nick Foster, area commander from Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "We would urge the public to take great care when they are enjoying the summer weather near to open water.

"Whether a river, lake or even small open water pit, you never know what lies beneath the surface or what the depth or temperature of the water is.

"Therefore, we would always encourage families - and especially young people in our community - never to jump in or play in open water."