UNIVERSITY staff and students are in mourning after a popular teenager was found dead in a lake.

Daniel Williams went missing in the early hours of January 31 after enjoying an evening at the 3Sixty bar on the Whiteknights campus.

The 19-year-old's body was recovered from a lake on the same campus on Tuesday morning and police confirmed the identity the following day.

Floral tributes have been left outside the bar where Daniel spent some of his final moments and there will be a vigil for the Computer Science student this evening.

Professor Robert Van de Noor, acting vice-chancellor, said it was a 'very difficult time' for everyone concerned.

He said: "Daniel and his family and friends are in our thoughts. I have met with Daniel’s family and offered our condolences and any assistance they may need.

"I am proud of the way in which everyone at the University came together to support the search. The response to his disappearance, and support of the appeal, shows the high regard in which Daniel was held.

"I would also like to express thanks on behalf of the whole University to the police, those who helped with the search, and the thousands of people, including the press, who shared the appeal for information.

"I cannot comment on the ongoing investigation and want to stress that we do not yet know the circumstances surrounding Daniel’s death.

"I would not wish to speculate on these circumstances as this would be insensitive to Daniel’s family and friends at this time. Once the investigation concludes, we will review any findings and respond accordingly."

Reading Chronicle:

The death is being treated as unexplained and is not believed to be suspicious.

Students and staff will be able to pay their respects to Daniel, from Sutton, during a private gathering and a book of remembrance will also be started.

An online petition has already gathered more than 10,000 signatures in response to safety concerns.

As well as improved lighting, other students – past and present – have made the case for fencing to be introduced

Reverend Mark Laynesmith, Anglican Chaplain at the University of Reading, added: “As a community, we’ve been anxiously waiting for news about Daniel and are now in shock and deep sadness.

“Tonight the University community are gathering together to support one another in our grief. We will be holding Daniel, his family, his friends and one another in our hearts. We hope to fill the room with light in this dark time.

“We will be offering books of condolence to our students and staff to sign which we hope to pass on next week to Daniel’s family.”