Tributes to Derry drowning victim Connor McCafferty

The family of a Londonderry teenager whose body was recovered from a reservoir have described him as a "gentle giant who was the life and soul of the party".

Conor McCafferty, 19, had been swimming in Creggan reservoir when he got into difficulties.

Police divers recovered his body at about 06:30 BST on Thursday.

His uncle, Brian Moore, said they are struggling to come to terms with their loss.

"Everyone knew Connor and those who did not know him knew of him.

"He always said life was for living and that was how Connor lived his short life. He will be sadly missed by his mother, father and brother Barry and extended family and friends."

Flowers have been left at the gates of Creggan Country Park which is beside the large reservoir.

Bereavement counsellors have also been brought in to help Connor's friends who were with him when he drowned.

William Sweeney said he tried in vain to save him.

"I was in the water with him. I realised something was wrong when he left my arm," he said.

"I swam back in to help him and he wasn't there. I tried to help him as much as I could."

Eamon Deane was one of his closest friends.

"He was my best friend and we did everything together. We got our hair cut together, went up the town together and went to night clubs together.

"I feel like somebody has ripped my heart out. A part of me died when he died."