TRIBUTES have been paid to former Rednock School pupil and Dursley Rugby Club player Mark Freeman, after his body was found in a canal following a police search.

The 41-year-old, who was born in Cam, was discovered by a diving team in the Gloucester and Sharpness canal near Hempsted on Tuesday morning, having been after he was reported missing.

Mark, who was living in Gloucester, was last seen at 10.15pm on Saturday after a night out with his friends.

He left the Brewhouse & Kitchen at Gloucester Quays alone, before being seen near the Sainsbury’s car park in St Ann Way.

A police spokesman said: “We do not believe there to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding Mark’s death and the case has been handed to the coroner.

“At this stage the incident appears to have been a tragic accident.”

They are appealing for anyone who has information on Mark’s movements that night to contact them on 101, quoting incident 212 of Sunday, February 12.

It is believed that Mark’s death was accidental.

After news broke of his death, tributes have been paid to the former Dursley Rugby Club player.

Robert Cox said: “Mark was a very close friend of mine during our teenage years, we both attended Rednock school in Dursley.

“I have so many happy memories of our time spent together during those important years. We went on our first ‘lads’ (without parents) holiday together. Mark was so warm-hearted and had a great sense of humour.

“Whilst we had not seen so much of each other in the last few years, we had recently spoken and were hoping to meet up for a drink and catch up.

“Unfortunately this won’t happen now, but I am grateful we had the chance to talk again.

“I shall remember all the good times we spent together and I thank him for his great friendship. My love and condolences go out to his family. RIP mark.”

Mark was a former player at Dursley RFC and the only son of Janet and former club chairman Stuart Freeman.

Simon Bilous, Dursley RFC Chairman said: “It is with great sadness that we heard of the death of Mark Freeman.

“Many of us knew him and his family.

Our thoughts are with Janet and the family at this very sad time.”

Mark Freeman had been a student at Swansea University from 1993 to 1995 studying for a degree in materials science and engineering. A Swansea University spokesman said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the death of former Swansea University student Mark Freeman.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this time and we extend our deepest condolences at their tragic loss.”

Anyone who would like to pay tribute to Mark can email ebi@gazetteseries.co.uk or phone 01453 769423.