Tragic Oxford United fan Glen McCulloch, killed while swimming in the River Thames, was planning to go on holiday with his family at the weekend.

The 16-year-old, of Mortimer Road, Rose Hill, who was not a very strong swimmer, had just left St Augustine School, in Iffley Turn, Oxford, and was to start his first job as an apprentice electrician in a fortnight.

Glen was airlifted to the John Radcliffe Hospital on Monday afternoon after getting into difficulties while swimming not far from his home in the river next to the A423 southern bypass.

His parents were at his bedside when he died early yesterday and were too upset to talk.

Glen's aunt, Ann Foster, of Lenthall Road, Rose Hill, broke down in tears during a press conference at her home. She said: "Glen was a really nice boy, very quiet and very studious. He was a lovely lad. He loved Oxford United, he thought they were wonderful.

"He was such a quiet boy and doesn't deserve this. His parents are absolutely devastated, they have just lost their eldest son. They can't cope and don't know what's happened. They can't believe this has happened."

Mrs Foster warned parents to make sure their children did not swim out of their depth if they did go into rivers.

She said: "Don't let them go in to the river. You don't know what's underneath. It looks inviting but please don't do it."

Glen was swimming with a friend who tried to help him before alerting passers-by, who pulled him out of the river and gave him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Police carried on the life-saving procedure until an ambulance arrived.

He was going on holiday on Saturday and was to start his new job at a firm in Botley Road when they returned.

He had spent a lot of time fishing with his dad and brother and holidaying on canal boats.

Police spokesman Duncan McGraw said: "This was a tragic event and our deepest sympathy goes out to all the family. We would urge all young people playing out near water in this hot weather to be careful. However safe it may seem, there are usually strong currents and dangerous objects.

"We would urge them not to go into the water. If they want to swim, go to a swimming pool where there are lifeguards who can help them enjoy their swim safely."

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