A COMMUNITY was today in mourning after the death of a teenager who plunged from a Southampton bridge.

Floral tributes are being laid in their dozens at the spot on Cobden Bridge where 16-year-old Jack Swallow fell into the River Itchen.

Today his parents have made a heartfelt plea for teenagers to share their problems following the death of their son.

Jack, whose body was recovered on Friday from the River Itchen at Bitterne, is believed to have taken his own life by jumping from Cobden Bridge.

The devastated family spoke of their shock and grief at the loss of the popular, loving and talented student who had everything to live for.

Rob and Jean had no idea of the depth of Jack's inner turmoil. The night before his death he seemed his normal self and watched a film with his father and brother, Craig, 19.

Holding back tears, Jean said: "Please, don't bottle it up. Teenagers, especially boys, find it difficult to talk their problems over. There are people who love you. I cuddled Jack and told him I loved him.

"People must value their relationship with their children. Tell them you love them and cuddle them."

Sister Carly, 22, said: "I'm sure Jack wasn't aware how much he would be missed, how much he was loved."

The family want to thank people for the support shown by an impromptu memorial of flowers and messages on the bridge where Jack died. They have visited the spot, only 200 yards from their home in Manor Farm Road, several times.

Jean said: "We can't bring Jack back or take away our pain but people's thoughts and actions are helping."

Jack, who left Bitterne Park School last year, went missing on Thursday. His body was spotted in the water on Friday by a passer-by.

His parents say they do know why their son was unhappy but prefer this to remain private.

Jean, a nursery nurse, said: "This is the worst nightmare for parents. You ask yourself questions but you can never get the answers. There's a huge black hole. You think 'could I have done something?'

"I can't bear the thought of not seeing him again. I went to the mortuary. I would rather it was me than him there."

Rob, a kitchen designer, said: "We just want to convey our thanks to everyone, people we have never met. Their warmth has helped us more than anything.

"Jack was a talented musician. He lived for playing tunes and making up tunes. He was a very good guitarist and picked up tunes just like that. He always had music with him. He always had his MP3 with him. Music was his life. His ambition was to be in a band."

Jack was studying A-levels in music, film studies and photography at Taunton's College in Southampton.

Jean added: "He loved canoeing and rowing and going on long walks. He was very caring, sensitive and gentle lad."

Carly said: "I want everyone to know how much Jack will be missed. He was a really thoughtful, caring boy. I would come in from work and he would hear and run me a bath.

"We want to remember the good things. Last night we sat around and talked about the good times."

Jack's brother Craig has left to visit Venice because it was a place Jack always wanted to see.

At the memorial on the bridge a message left by Harry Collins, to his friend 'Jackus', said: "No one will ever know. I will miss you and I know everyone will miss you too. But I will never forget you. You were my best mate and I only wish you were still here."

A funeral will be held at Southampton Crematorium at a date to be announced. The family is compiling a list of Jack's favourite tunes for the service, to possibly include songs by Jeff Buckley, Bush, Lost Prophets and Coldplay.

People will be asked not to send flowers but instead to make a donation to a charity that helps troubled teenagers.

Mourners should dress as normal for what will be a celebration of Jack's life, said Jean.

A post-mortem examination was due to be carried out today. The coroner has been informed.