A MAN has been found dead in the River Severn.

A member of the public saw what police believe to be Karl Horton’s body at approximately 8.45pm last night (May 20).

The body was recovered from a section of the river near the A4440, in Worcester.

A police spokesman said: "Formal identification has not yet taken place but he is believed to be missing man Karl Horton."

Mr Horton, aged 38, had gone missing and was last seen in Worcester at about midnight on Monday, May 15. Police launched an appeal to find him two days ago.

His brother, Gary Horton, wrote on Facebook: "We would like to thank everybody for all your messages, shares and support but I'm sad to say that my big brother Karl Horton has unfortunately been found late Saturday night.

"We are going to miss you so so much. Rest in peace Karl love you loads."

Nessa Jones, aged 39, of Humber Road, Worcester, went to Nunnery Wood High School with Mr Horton.

The mother-of-three said: "I still can't believe it. He was just lovely. He would do anything for anybody.

"The last time I saw him was a couple of months ago. He always used to be in town.

"He said we will have to get together for our 40th birthday. It's devastating."

The pair first met each other when they started high school, although they went their separate ways after leaving in 1995.

"He was such a comedian at school, we would hang in the same group," Ms Jones said.

"He would make you smile no matter how you felt.

"Everybody is so heartbroken that such a nice caring young man has been taken from us."

Ms Jones knew that her friend had gone missing but assumed that he would be found soon.

She found out about his death after her daughter read a friend's Facebook post.

"One of my friends put 'Rest in Peace Karl' on Facebook. My daughter phoned me up and told me. I said to my mum I feel sick," Ms Jones said.

The full-time mum sent her condolences and love to Mr Horton's family.

Officers said Mr Horton was possibly seen near the fountains in Copenhagen Street, Worcester, three hours before he went missing.

Police believed he was still in the city after his disappearance and carried out searches to try to find him.

His death is not being treated as suspicious and his next of kin have been informed.

A file on the incident is being prepared for the coroner.