Tributes have poured in for a Bury teenager found dead after a frantic search.
Police issued an urgent appeal for help to find Matthew Young after he went missing earlier this week.
The 17-year-old was last seen on Broad Street in the town centre at around 2.30pm on Wednesday (September 9).
Matthew didn't return home after college. Officers said that was 'out of character'.
On Thursday evening, GMP said a body had been found.
Matthew's death is not being treated as suspicious.
In the wake of the heartbreaking news, tributes have flooded in on social media.
In a tribute posted online on Thursday, Matthew's brother Joshua said: "Thank you to everyone for getting in touch and sending your thoughts and showing such a deep concern for my little brother.
"Matthew left us on Wednesday evening. The devastating news reached us at 7pm today that a body had been found matching his description.
"I've lost my little brother."
The post has been shared thousands of times. Hundreds of people have left comments.
Matthew's friend Mia said: "There are no words to express how painful it was to hear this awful news, Matt was an absolute treasure and he’ll be dearly dearly missed."
Matthew was a student at Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar Sixth Form.
College staff shared a few words as they learned of his death.
"We are saddened to inform you of the recent death of one of our sixth form students, Matthew Young," a post read.
"Matthew had been a student at Bacup & Rawtenstall Grammar school since year 7, following his brother, Joshua, through the school.
"He was part of a wonderful year group who are devastated by his death and seeking to coming to terms with this tragedy. Our thoughts are with Matthew’s family at this time.
"Matthew’s death was not related to the COVID19 pandemic."
The school said support is being made available to students by pastoral staff should they need it.
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