TRIBUTES have flooded in for a Southampton teen whose body was found on the banks of the River Itchen.

Marcel Wochna was last seen entering the water near Cobden Bridge in the St Denys area of Southampton late on Sunday night.

Following a two day search, the 15-year-old’s body was found on the eastern banks of the river near Hazel Road in Woolston.

However, the case has now been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), following a death after police contact.

On the night Marcel was last seen alive, officers had been called following reports of criminal damage being caused at Cobden Marine Court.

A Hampshire police statement added: "As is routine in these circumstances, the investigation has been referred to the IOPC, following a death after police contact."

Family and friends have now come forward to pay their tributes with many placing flowers and personal messages on Cobden Bridge.

Daily Echo: Floral tributes on Cobden Bridge.Floral tributes on Cobden Bridge. (Image: NQ)

One note read: “Dear Marcel, we miss you mate. We wish every second you could come back. You’re in a safe place now, where you can watch over us and love us as much as we loved you. You made so many people laugh. We love you.”

Meanwhile, a post on social media from Bitterne Park School said: “It is with immense sadness that I write to you to inform you of the passing of one of our Year 11 students, Marcel Wochna.

“Our whole school community is devastated by this horrendous news – we will all pull together and support each other during this sad time.

Daily Echo: Marcel was last seen entering the water near Cobden Bridge on Sunday.Marcel was last seen entering the water near Cobden Bridge on Sunday.

“Marcel was popular with staff and students alike and had many friends in not only his year group but across the school. We have a support structure of staff and counsellors in place to help students over the next few days and weeks, as they come to terms with the loss of Marcel.”

Ascension Church in Thorold Road, Bitterne Park, has also offered its support to the community and anyone impacted by the teenager’s death.

In a statement on social media page, it said: “After the tragic news of the death of 15-year-old Marcel, we will be opening the church building from 3-5pm today and tomorrow

“The space is open to anyone who has been affected, with opportunities to light candles, talk with someone, pray, reflect, write or draw.

Daily Echo: Friends and family have left flowers and tributes.Friends and family have left flowers and tributes.

“Our prayers and thoughts are with all who are affected.”