WELSHPOOL has been left “immensely saddened” by the death of a teenage girl who died following an incident in the River Severn on Friday.

Holli Smallman died despite a multi-agency search at the river following reports of a missing person made at around 4.40pm on Friday.

Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed later that evening that a body was recovered at around 8pm. They confirmed on Monday that the person found was 15-year-old Holli.

Town councillor Alison Davies, who is also a governor at Welshpool High School, where Holli was a pupil, said: “On behalf of all the governors, we’re very, very saddened by this news.

“We’re devastated obviously for Holli and her family, and her wider family and friends.

OTHER NEWS:

“It’s tragic; I say that as mother and grandmother. The loss of a child is always tragic, but this was a very sad accident when a group of teens were playing in a river.

“People have known her and her family for a long time. Things will never be the same to those whom she was close.

“In small communities like this it really does hit a bit harder because everybody is probably closer.”

Councillor Davies added: “The governing body and town will support the family as much as they can, if the time arises that they need our help.”

Headteacher Jon Arnold said: "Everyone at Welshpool High School is devastated by this news.

"We are working to ensure that we can set up appropriate support systems for pupils and staff when they return to school, and I would like to reiterate the police's message that the family's privacy be respected at this difficult time."

Floral tributes have been left on a bridge near the scene, in the Leighton Road area of Welshpool.

Welshpool mayor Phil Owen said: “I know that the whole town will be immensely saddened by the terrible news.

Helplines

If you would like any help with bereavement, loss or mental wellbeing, here are some helpline numbers

You can call the Samaritans on 116 123

Papyrus Hopeline on 0800 068 4141

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) on 0800 58 58 58

“It is difficult to express just how deeply tragedies like this can affect small, close communities, such as ours.

“I speak for the whole of the town council when I say that our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies lie with Holli’s family and friends. A feeling that I know is shared by all our townspeople.

“I would also like to express my gratitude and support to the multi-agency team who attended this harrowing incident, who I know will be feeling the sense of shock acutely.”

A spokesperson for Dyfed Powys Police said on Monday: “Dyfed Powys Police can confirm that the teenager recovered from the River Severn, Welshpool, was 15-year-old Holli Smallman, from Welshpool.

“A multi-agency search was conducted at the river on Friday, August 9.

“Specialist officers are supporting the family and our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time.”