FRIENDS and family of 21-year-old Luke Harrison have been paying tribute to the talented young footballer after his body was found washed up on a Newquay beach over the weekend.

Heartfelt messages have been left for the former Archway School pupil on the social networking site Facebook by devastated pals and relatives.

Luke, also known by the surname Griffin, had been visiting the Cornish seaside town as part of an end of season football tour with 19 of his team mates from Leonard Stanley AFC.

He was described by members of his football club as ‘a true diamond’ and a ‘talented youngster’.

Luke, who grew up in Ebley and also attended Stroud College, had been set to collect Leonard Stanley AFC’s ‘young player of the year’ award this summer.

Devon and Cornwall police who are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death have arrested two 41-year-old men from Bedford on suspicion of assault.

The pair, who have both been interviewed by officers, have now been bailed until September, when they are expected to return to Newquay Police Station.

According to a police spokesman the youngster had been involved in an incident in the town earlier in the evening.

His body was discovered by a dog walker on Great Western Beach around 8.30am on Saturday morning (June 2).

A statement released by police mid-afternoon on Saturday said: "Officers attended and located the body of a young man in his twenties that had been washed up from the sea, the body was clothed."

"Police cordoned off the area to allow for an investigation of the scene.

"The family of the man have since been informed of his death, however how and when he died and how he got into the sea are not known at this time.

"Our thoughts are clearly with his friends and family."

Writing on Facebook, Luke’s aunt Debbie Harrison, said: "My handsome nephew you are going to be truly missed… Rest in Peace."

Natalie Gardiner wrote: "A beautiful boy with beautiful ways… You will be sadly missed by all."

Luke’s girlfriend Gemm wrote: "I can't stop thinking about you babe I will never forget you."

Leonard Stanley AFC, said: "Everyone at the Football Club is deeply saddened to announce the passing of talented youngster Luke Griffin.

"He was a true diamond and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very difficult time."

Donations towards Luke's memorial can be made through PayPal on the Leonard Stanley website at www.leonardstanleyfc.co.uk