TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular Worcester man who went missing in the early hours of Christmas Day after his body was found in Diglis Basin.
Lewis Mullan marked his 23rd birthday on Christmas Eve (December 24) and was last seen getting out of a taxi at the Commandery petrol station in Sidbury at 3am on Christmas morning.
His concerned parents raised the alarm when the former Nunnery Wood High School pupil failed to turn up for Christmas dinner.
Officers from West Mercia Police together with members of Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and boat crews from West Midlands Search and Rescue conducted a search of the surrounding area on Boxing Day and on Saturday (December 27).
Lewis’ body was found in the Diglis Basin on Saturday morning just yards from the petrol station where he was last seen.
Local policing commander Supt Kevin Purcell said: “My thoughts are very much with his family and friends at this time.
“I would like to thank West Midlands Search and Rescue Association, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service and the officers of Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police for their work in this search.”
A host of tribute pages have been set up on Facebook following the tragic news as grieving friends shared their memories of the popular 23-year-old.
One of the tributes read: “God bless and RIP, beautiful amazing lad always had a smile on his face even when he was down always put his feeling behind him and acted like normal xx you will never be forgotten bab xx.”
Another poster wrote: “Known him for years he was a great guy who cared about everybody he was so loving.
“I remember the times where I went to town youth centre with him playing football and pool I cannot believe he isn’t here today he should be, why do all the nice ones go first and never the nasty ones.
“I will miss you mate I will never forget you…theres only one lewis mullan RIP bro you’re with the angels now sleep tight and god bless Xxx.”
His death is not being treated as suspicious, but police are still trying to establish Lewis’ last movements.
Anyone who was in the Diglis area about 3am on Christmas day and may have seen him are being urged to call 101, quoting incident number 438S of December 25, 2014.
