Body of man, 18, pulled from water at Whitchurch golf club

West Mercia Police said the body of the 18-year-old man was discovered at Hill Valley Golf Club in Whitchurch.

The discovery was made early on Monday morning and police confirmed he was from the Hope-under-Dinmore area of Leominster. He has not yet been named. Detectives said an investigation was being carried out but that officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the death.

Kieren Bodill, spokesman for West Mercia Police, said: "We can confirm that the body found at the Hill Valley Golf Club in Whitchurch on Monday morning is that of an 18-year-old male from the Hope-under-Dinmore area of Leominster.

"Police are continuing the investigation into the circumstances of his death, but we can confirm we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this matter.

"A post mortem examination is yet to be conducted. The coroner has been informed.

"The next of kin have been notified and request that their privacy is respected at this difficult time."

Mayor of Whitchurch, Councillor Mike MacDonald, sent the town's sympathies to the man's family. "This is really tragic news," he said. "Obviously our thoughts are with the family at this time. It is very tragic when anything like this happens."

Nearby residents took to Facebook to recount what they had seen during the police incident after the discovery with some reporting up to four police cars at the scene.

Nobody from the club was available to comment yesterday, but the police confirmed the club had remained open as normal throughout the day.

Tributes to the man have been paid on social media.

Former town mayor Rob Hewson added that the town had been left saddened by the death – and also saddened by a stabbing which happened in the town on Saturday.

The stabbing took place in Kent Close and saw a 16-year-old boy treated at the Royal Stoke University Hospital. A man has appeared in court charged with causing grievous bodily harm.