Tributes paid to 13-year-old boy found dead in River Cynon

Christopher Kapessa's body was found in the River Cynon Credit: Family Photo

The body of a boy has been found in the River Cynon, police have confirmed.

13-year-old Christopher Kapessa's body was found in a stretch of the river between Mountain Ash and Cwmbach on Monday evening.

South Wales Police say they were called at 17:40 on Monday evening following reports of a young person in the water near the village of Fernhill.

The body of a boy was found in the River Cynon Credit: ITV Wales

Mountain Ash Juniors Football Club, where Christopher played, led tributes to ''a lovely lad, a great friend and teammate.''

A number of flowers and tributes have also been laid near the river where the incident took place.

Flowers and other tributes have been laid near to the river Credit: ITV Wales

Rhondda Cynon Taf council leader Andrew Morgan, who is also councillor for nearby Mountain Ash, sent his condolences to the boy's family and friends.

Speaking to ITV News, councillor Wendy Treeby said it was a shock for the local community.

A fundraising page has been set up to raise money for the boy's family and has so far raised over £1,000.