A TEENAGER has died at a notorious accident spot during an end-of-term college visit to the Malvern Hills.

Police divers spent nearly four hours searching at Gullet Quarry for Yunus Ismail Moolla after being alerted yesterday afternoon.

The 17-year-old student found himself in difficulties while on a visit to the Castlemorton spot with Gloucester's Central Technology College.

It is believed he had been cleaning his shoes when he disappeared beneath the water.

It was unclear today whether students had been swimming in the quarry before the accident.

One lecturer dived into the water in a bid to save the teenager, of Barton Street, Gloucester.

Fiona Harrison, of Worcester police, confirmed today that investigations were being carried out into the teenager's death.

A statement from his college said the "deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers" of staff and students were with the youngster's family.

"We're working with the police, local authority and all other appropriate authorities thoroughly to investigate the circumstances which led to this tragedy," it added.

Hereford and Worcester Fire Brigade spokesman Alec Mackie said the tragedy highlighted the risks of using the quarry for recreation.

It had become a magnet for youths jumping off its steep cliffs into the deep water.

The quarry has been at the centre of numerous rescue operations over the years, prompting warnings from the Malvern Hills Conservators that swimmers were "dicing with death".

In 1995, the site claimed the life of 19-year-old Clifford James, also of Gloucester, who was celebrating his 25th birthday.

"We'd tell people not to swim in or climb the rock faces in Gullet Quarry," said Mr Mackie.

"We've been involved with many incidents over the years which have involved fatalities.

"Despite constant warning signs and appeals from ourselves, the police, RoSPA and the Malvern Conservators about the safety of the site, there's always those who are tempted to use the site and put themselves in danger."