Man is named in river tragedy

A man whose body was pulled from the river in Ludlow was today named as William Edward Victor Watkins.

The 76-year-old's body was found in the River Teme on Friday morning.

Mr Watkins, who was known locally as Bill, lived in Lower Broad Street, Ludlow.

Neighbour David Knapp today said his death had come as a great shock.

He said: "Bill was a very friendly and courteous person who was renowned for his little jokes and stories. It is a terrible shock to everyone who knew him."

Mr Knapp said Mr Watkins, who had never married and had no children, would often go for two walks a day, sometimes along the river.

He said: "Bill went for a walk most mornings and then later in the day again. I sometimes walked into town with him and he seemed to know a lot of people and people knew him. He would always tip his cap, a proper gentleman."

Mr Watkins worked for his father at the petrol station in Corve Street, which has been demolished.

Mr Watkins' body was spotted in the river, near Park Lane, by Sebastian Parker and his partner Debbie Chatham, who run the Country Kitchen Cookshop, in Pepper Lane, at 10am.

Sergeant John Evans, of Ludlow Police, said police wanted to establish Mr Watkins' movements.

"If anyone spotted him upstream of Dinham Bridge before 9.30am, please contact us on 08457 444888."