TRIBUTES have been paid to 18-year-old university student Tom Jones after his body was found in the river.

Friends have shared their heartbreak following the retrieval of Tom's body from the River Severn, in Worcester, on Friday.

Thousands took part in the week-long search for Tom, who went missing after a night out in Worcester last Wednesday.

A candlelight vigil for Tom took place at Worcester's Sabrina Bridge last night and bouquets of flowers were left next to the railings.

Harley Hetherington, a family friend of Tom's, who organised yesterday's vigil, wrote on the Find Jonah Facebook page: "Tom - the whole country loves you mate and even further beyond.

"We all know that you're up there somewhere smiling and knowing that you are and always will be loved by every single one of us.

"You were and always will be in every single one of our hearts and we all love you forever. Thank you for being in all of our lives and making us all smile."

Mr Hetherington also thanked the thousands of volunteers who took part in the search for Tom.

Football teams across Worcestershire, including Bromsgrove Sporting and a number of youth sides, held a minute's silence for the teenager at matches this weekend.

West Bromwich Albion fans also honoured Tom, who supported the side, by chanting "he's one of our own, Thomas Jones is one of our own" during Saturday's game.

Professor David Green, vice-chancellor and chief executive of the University of Worcester, said: “We are awaiting formal identification following the terrible news on Friday afternoon.

"Our thoughts are very much with his parents, wider family and friends at this most tragic time. We are offering additional support to students and staff affected by this heart-breaking news.”

Readers also spoke of their anguish at the death of the student, who was due to study primary teaching, and shared messages of support for his family.

Munslow Marie wrote on the Worcester News Facebook page: “This is such heart-breaking news.

“Tom, we didn't know you but you've been in our hearts from the moment you went missing.

“As an ex-University of Worcester student and primary teacher myself, this story has made me reflect upon the new chapter that you were about to start.

“So much life ahead of you. Rest in peace. Thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends at this difficult time. Worcester will not forget you.”

Robin Walker, Worcester's MP, added that he was 'terribly sad' when he found out about Tom's death.

He added: “It’s a sad moment for the city but I want to thank all of those people who engaged in the search.

“The public reaction shows that Worcester does really care about the people here. People from across the city wanted to help.

“There was a huge effort to engage in the search and to bring out all the missing posters. It’s very sad that it has come to such a sad end.

“It’s still important that we get to the bottom of the circumstances.”

Mr Walker also sent his condolences to the teenager's family.

Tom's parents Ian and Vicki Jones previously worked with police to retrace his steps in the early hours of Wednesday, September 19, when he disappeared.

They believe he went to McDonald's at around 3am after partying in Velvet nightclub.

He then walked towards his St John's home, doubling back to buy a drink, and sent a Snapchat to friends from near Worcester Racecourse.

Police say he crossed Sabrina Bridge before walking along the path at the top of the Hylton Road flood defences in the direction of Hallow.