Parents of Charlie Pope pay tribute following Manchester canal death

The dad of student Charlie Pope, who was found in a canal in Manchester on Friday afternoon, has been paying tribute to him - saying he was "a wonderful, wonderful kid" who "everybody loved."

Nick Pope has called on Manchester City Council to put safety barriers around the canal where his son died - and a petition calling for them has reached nearly 27,000 signatures since his death.

Charlie, originally from Ponteland, Northumberland, was last seen on Whitworth Street in Manchester city centre early on Thursday morning - his body was recovered on Friday afternoon by officers from Greater Manchester Police searching the city's canals.

The teenager was in his first year at the University of Manchester - a spokesperson from the University said:

"We are all very saddened to hear this tragic news and the University will be providing any support and assistance we can to Charlie's friends‎ and family."

There are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death