'Loving' man remembered after river death

The family of a "kind and loving" man who died after being rescued from a river have paid tribute to him.

Kevin Thorne died after being rescued from the River Tone in Taunton, Somerset, at about 18:40 GMT on 9 December.

A 30-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of assault that day was rearrested on suspicion of murder on 23 December, and has since been released on bail.

Thorne's family released a statement saying: "Kevin was a son, father, brother, uncle, cousin and a friend to many. He was kind and caring and he would help anyone if he could."

Avon and Somerset Police said officers went to the scene, by Bridge Street, after reports of a man having gone into the river.

When officers arrived after a few minutes they found a member of the public had pulled Thorne from the water.

He was given first aid and taken to hospital, but died on 22 December.

"Kevin was a loved man, not just by his family, but by everyone who knew him," his family continued in their statement.

"His family is devasted losing Kev at such a young age of just 49, he was taken tragically too soon."

Police said it is believed Thorne and the suspect knew each other, and there is no risk to the general public.

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