A FRIEND has paid tribute to an “absolutely amazing young man” who was found dead on Sunday having been missing for three days.

Anthony Taylor was found by police officers in a car in the river Avon, at Evesham, on Sunday evening.

The 22-year-old, who used to live in Worcester but recently moved to Bromsgrove, had been reported missing last Thursday.

Kayleigh Taylor yesterday paid tribute to her brother. “He was such a loving son and brother,” she said. “I love him.”

Friend Dani Le, aged 29, a former Worcester bus driver who met Anthony and a friend while they travelled the city’s bus network, also paid tribute.

“You were an absolutely amazing young man who always had a smile on his face and not a bad word to say about anyone,” she said.

“Loved by everyone that met you, you will leave a huge mark on the lives of many. You were a true friend and somebody I will miss very dearly.”

“He was a big bus fan. All the drivers in Worcester knew him. When I left the bus company I kept in touch with Ant.”

She said some bus drivers helped in the search for him, which ended at about 6pm on Sunday when the body was recovered.

Mr Taylor previously attended Worcester’s former Elgar Technology College and lived in Cleeve Drive, Warndon, but recently moved to Charford in Bromsgrove.

The car was found in the water near Raphael’s restaurant, owned by former Evesham mayor Robert Raphael, who saw the vehicle being pulled out. He said: “It’s very upsetting and our heart goes out to the family.”

West Mercia Police Detective Inspector Dean Jones said: “The last contact with Anthony was in the Evesham area early on Thursday and since then a thorough search has been underway which has included a team of police divers, Severn Area Rescue Association and other specialists.

“Tragically, it appears we have found Mr Taylor in his car, recovered from the river near the ferry crossing off Boat Lane.

“We have been in close contact with his family throughout. Our thoughts are with them at this sad time.”

“We would like to thank everyone who has helped during our enquiries to locate Mr Taylor.”