A SCHOOLGIRL has died after playing in Britain's longest river with friends.

       Holli Smallman, 15, was playing on the banks in the River Severn when a group of teenagers went in - and she vanished under the waters.

       Sign up for The Sun

       newsletter

       Sign up Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy

       1

       Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that a body was recovered at around 8pm

       She was in the 220-mile long River Severn at Welshpool, mid-Wales, when she went missing on Friday.

       Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed that a body was recovered at around 8pm.

       She has been named as Holli who was on holiday from nearby Welshpool High School when she went out playing in the summer sunshine along the popular riverbanks.

       Town councillor Alison Davies, who is also a governor at Welshpool High School, said: “On behalf of all the governors, we’re very, very saddened by this news.

       Read More on UK News 'KNIFEMAN' CHARGED Man, 32, charged after girl, 11, stabbed in Leicester Square

       SCHOOL THUG Britain's worst rioter revealed as boy, 12, after lout took part in TWO attacks

       “We’re devastated obviously for Holli and her family, and her wider family and friends.

       “It’s tragic; I say that as mother and grandmother. The loss of a child is always tragic, but this was a very sad accident when a group of teens were playing in a river.

       “People have known her and her family for a long time. Things will never be the same to those whom she was close.

       “In small communities like this it really does hit a bit harder because everybody is probably closer.”

       Most read in The Sun

       POPSTAR AGONY Tragedy for X Factor semi-finalist as fiance killed falling from hotel window

       NO SHAME Olympic child rapist breaks silence & shamelessly weeps after being booed at games

       KNIFE ATTACK Girl 'put in headlock & knifed 8 times while with mum needs plastic surgery'

       'DON'T LECTURE ME!' Furious Eamonn Holmes clashes with guest in Union Jack 'racism' row

       Councillor Davies added: “The governing body and town will support the family as much as they can, if the time arises that they need our help.”

       The Severn at 220 miles long, is the longest river in Great Britain.

       Boy, 2, who died after being pulled from canal 'had escaped home to feed the ducks' before neighbours heard 'screams'

       Floral tributes have been left on a bridge near the scene, in the Leighton Road area of Welshpool.

       Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed the teenager recovered was Holli Smallman from Welshpool after a multi-agency search.

       A spokesperson said: "Specialist officers are supporting the family and our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time.”