HUNDREDS of tributes have been paid to 20-year-old student George Ford, whose body was found in the River Frome in Stroud on Thursday.

George, who was in the third year of a four year degree course in pure chemistry which incorporated a masters degree at Nottingham University, had not been seen since leaving his home in Slad Road, Stroud in the early hours of last Sunday, December 16 - the day after arriving home for Christmas.

Dozens of friends and relatives have left messages on Facebook and flowers and cards have been left at Wallbridge lock.

The former Marling School student was described as a 'rock who was always there for you' and a 'kind, loyal and loving guy'.

He was 'naturally intelligent' and someone who was a 'champion of debating'.

Gloucestershire police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding George's death.

He was last seen walking towards Stroud town centre around 5am last Sunday, December 16.

Officers are keen to trace his movements between 3am and 9am on that day.

Described as 6ft 1in tall with brown, wavy, shoulder length hair, George was last seen wearing a green t-shirt with 'Hitchhike Morocco' written on the front, grey combat trousers and black DC trainers with blue detail. He had a brown satchel bag with him.

Anyone with information which could help the police should call 101 quoting incident 315 of December 18.

 

A full tribute piece will appear in the next issue of the SNJ which comes out on Thursday, December 27.