TRIBUTES have been paid to a 17-year-old Newport university student teenager who died after jumping into a river.

Vithuran Sathiyaseelan was studying a diploma in foundation studies in art and design at the University of Wales Newport and was a Sri Lankan student here on a student visa.

The university paid tribute to him describing him as a "bright and talented" student.

Police were called out to Caerleon at 5.55pm on Tuesday after receiving calls that a boy had jumped around six feet off the river bank of the Afon Llwyd - a tributary which feeds into the River Usk - and had not resurfaced.

A rescue operation was started from Caerleon Road bridge by Severn Area Rescue Association (SARA) who travelled up against the current to carry out the search with the help of Gwent Police.

Divers from South Wales Police found the teenager's body at around 8.50pm later that night.

The university's chaplain Reverend William Ritchie said yesterday: "The University, its staff and students are extremely sad to hear of the untimely death of Vithuran Sathiyaseelan."

He said the teenager was about to finish his course in Newport and had secured a place at a London university to study a degree.Reverend Ritchie said: "Vithuran was supportive, friendly and sociable and extremely popular amongst his fellow students. The death of such a bright and talented member of our community is devastating and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time."

The university's deputy head of student services, Simon Phillips, said the university will be providing support for Vithuran's friends and classmates.

Police said they are not treating the teenager's death as suspicious and warned swimmers to only swim in water they know is safe or which is supervised.

Inspector Neil Muirhead said: "We would like to emphasise that while it might be tempting to jump into rivers during hot weather, there are hidden dangers under the water and so we would strongly advise against doing so."

I would urge parents to ensure their children are behaving responsibly and not putting themselves at risk. Likewise for adults, even strong swimmers have experienced difficulties leading to tragic consequences in the past and it is important that everyone stays safe while enjoying warm weather."

Local fishermen told the Argus that a number of people have been seen jumping into the water often leaving their trainers behind when they leave.

Val Blong, landlady of The Ship Inn, said: "My niece saw a gang of lads down there. It's dangerous there and people shouldn't be allowed to swim there."

Debbie Williams, landlady of The Angel, added: "It's the first time I've heard of anything like this but a lot of youngsters do go down there."