THE family of Callum Baker-Osborne have paid tribute to their “selfless hero” after a body was found in the search for the missing teenager.
A body was found in the water at Lake Pier in Hamworthy, Poole, early on Friday, July 30.
The discovery came days after the 18-year-old from Coventry, who was previously named as Callum Osborne-Ward, went missing following an incident in the water off Rockley Park on the afternoon of Monday, July 26.
LIVE: updates as body found in search for Callum Baker-Osborne
A multi-agency search operation was launched involving police, fire, ambulance, RNLI and coastguard teams after Mr Osborne-Ward was unaccounted for.
In a tribute released through Dorset Police, Mr Baker-Osborne’s family said: "Callum Baker-Osborne, beloved son of Alan Baker and Ann Osborne. Devoted brother to seven brothers and sisters and loving uncle to twenty one nieces and nephews.
"Callum was the life and soul of the family, forever making us smile. Our selfless hero who always put everyone’s welfare above his own. Now at peace with his dad and baby. Forever missed and always in our hearts. The family want to thank everyone for their support and messages."
A spokesperson for Dorset Police said that although formal identification has not yet taken place, the body is believed to be that of Callum.
His family has been made aware.
Poole lifeboat was also tasked at 6.30am on Friday by the Coastguard to attend Lake Pier.
A Poole RNLI spokesperson said: "All at Poole lifeboat station send their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Callum, not the outcome we had hoped and prayed for, but we take comfort that he is back with his family."
She said Mr Baker-Osborne swam out to save them before going unaccounted for himself.
All 10 of his family members made it to safety and three were taken to hospital as a precautionary measure, following the incident at around 4pm on Monday.
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