A WELLINGTON man who died nearly a fortnight after being rescued from the freezing waters of the River Tone in the centre of Taunton has been described by his family as ‘kind and loving’.

Kevin Thorne, aged 49, was pulled from the water behind the former Debenhams department store by a passer-by at about 6.40 pm on Tuesday, December 9.

First Aid was administered and Mr Thorne was taken to Musgrove Park Hospital, where he later died in the late hours of Monday, December 22.

A 30-year-old woman who was arrested by police officers who attended the scene within five minutes of Mr Thorne’s rescue was later released on police bail.

Now, police have issued a family statement paying tribute to Mr Thorne which said: “Kevin was a son, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and a friend to many.

“He was kind and caring and he would help anybody if he could.

“Kevin was a loved man, not just by his family, but by everybody who knew him.

“Losing Kev has been a massive shock to his family and friends and he is going to be sadly missed by all.

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

A police spokesperson said the family had requested privacy during their difficult time and they were being offered support by a specially trained family liaison officer.

The spokesperson said it was believed Mr Thorne and the arrested woman were known to each other and there was no wider risk to the public.

They said: “The investigation is ongoing and we urge people not to speculate.”

Hundreds of tributes to Mr Thorne had earlier been posted on social media by his brother Adrian and friends.

Anybody with information about Mr Thorne’s death should call 101 giving the reference 5225345998.