TRIBUTES have been paid to a teenager who has been named locally as the person who died at Shavers End Quarry near Stourport.

A body was recovered from the Dunley quarry, known by locals as the Blue Lagoon, on Thursday.

Search crews had been scouring the area after a 17-year-old boy last seen in the water was reported missing.

The teenager has been named on social media and by national press as Haider Ali, understood to be from Birmingham, with relatives describing him as the "life and soul" of their family.

He is reported to have taken a trip to the quarry on Wednesday with friends who, after seeing he was struggling in the water, tried to rescue him.

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

Kidderminster Shuttle: Shavers End Quarry near StourportShavers End Quarry near Stourport

"But he felt there was a force that was dragging him down," Mr Sadiq told a reporter. "He had to make that conscious decision - do I let go or do I stay with him?

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

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

Well-wishers have taken to social media to pay tribute to the teenager.

One commenter said: "This is my daughter's friend - it's so sad RIP."

Kidderminster Shuttle: Shavers End Quarry is a hotspot for groups of youngsters despite numerous warnings of the dangers. Photo from Google MapsShavers End Quarry is a hotspot for groups of youngsters despite numerous warnings of the dangers. Photo from Google Maps

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

One person commented: "Very sad, my heart goes out to the parents, truly heartbreaking just starting out in life. This is horrible."

This is the second death to be reported at Shavers End Quarry in just over a year.

In July 2019, 18-year-old Jayden Clarke sadly died after hitting his head while swimming in the quarry with friends.

The quarry has been a problem spot for police for several years, with groups and particularly youngsters gathering at the fenced off area to swim in the water - despite numerous warnings being issued about the dangers.