THE family of a teenager who drowned in a river after disappearing on a night out have called for action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Henry Burke, from Ripon, was found in the stretch of the the River Avon, in Bath, on Saturday.

The 19-year-old keen rugby player had been studying geography at Bath Spa University, when he died after going missing in the early hours of Friday morning.

A post-mortem examination found he had drowned.

An Avon and Somerset Constabulary spokesman said: “Henry’s death continues to be treated as unexplained, but we do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances.”

Mr Burke’s death is believed to be the ninth - most of whom have been students - since 2009 on the same stretch of river in the city, which has similar river safety concerns to those which have been raised in Durham and York.

Mr Burke’s sales director father, Paul, and mother, Sarah, a teacher, paid tribute to his life, saying he “was a star that burned so bright in our lives”.

In a statement they said: "His passing has yet to sink in however, the pain of his parting cannot be expressed.

"He was a beautiful, wonderful young man who lived life to the full. His college life and friends, particularly his housemates, his second family, were a real joy to him.

"His happiness with his girlfriend Emma knew no bounds. Playing rugby with his college, his endless trips to the gym and skiing with the ski club were his passions.

"He was taking his first steps on his own, living away from home, starting to take responsibility for his own life.

"He was beginning to put in place the foundations of the hopes and dreams he had for the future. So so tragically cut short.

"Finally his family. His aunts, his uncles, his Nan, his cousins and his mum and dad. Henry will know that he will always be loved, treasured and remembered.

"And so to probably the two most important members of his family - his two younger brothers Piers and Oscar.

"Whilst they fought like all siblings do their love and respect for each other was unlimited. He protected them whenever they needed protection.

"He set a fine example, sometimes of what not to do! But reading his youngest brothers message earlier summed Henry up perfectly - 'He wasn't just my brother, he was my second dad. I haven't got enough fingers to count how many times he has saved my life'.

"Henry will be missed more than any words possible. With deepest sadness, pride and absolute love we honour our wonderful and beautiful boy."

His father added people needed to be made aware of the dangers, that security staff should check customers leaving pubs and clubs and there needed to be people stationed on the riverside to ensure safety.

Police and fire services have said they will review river safety following the death.