Russell O'Neill named as Gullett Quarry swim victim

A diving team from South Wales Police and local fire crews searched for Russell on Saturday

A teenage boy who died while swimming in a lake at a quarry in the Malvern Hills was a "brilliant student", his former principal has said.

Russell O'Neill, 17, was pulled from water at Gullet Quarry in Worcestershire hours after he failed to resurface on Saturday afternoon.

West Mercia Police said they were not treating Russell's death as suspicious but as a "tragic accident".

The fire service said anyone swimming in open water should take extra care.

A diving team and fire crews were among those who searched for Russell after being called to the quarry at about 13:20 BST.

The teenager's body was found at about 16:50.

Prayers for family

Sean Devlin, principal at Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College, said some of Russell's siblings still attended the school.

Mr Devlin said: "Russell was a brilliant student.

"He was with us for five years. He left at the end of last year.

"All of the time he was at the school he was a pleasure to have in lessons. Teachers spoke highly of him.

"It's a disaster what's happened.

"It was a little bit subdued this morning. Everyone prayed for Russell and prayed for the family."

Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has reissued water safety advice in light of Russell's death.

Station Commander Alan Haley said: "We would like to highlight the dangers of open water and encourage people, whatever their age, to take extra care."