TRIBUTES have been paid to Kevin Thorne, who died after being pulled from the River Tone in Taunton.

Mr Thorne, 49, passed away on December 22 last year, almost two weeks after he was rescued from the water in Bridge Street at around 6.40pm on December 9.

An Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson said officers were on the scene within five minutes of reports a person was in the river, when they found a member of the public had pulled Kevin, believed to be from Wellington, out of the water.

“First aid was administered and he was taken to hospital, where he sadly later died in the late hours of Monday, December 22,” they said.

Now, his family has paid tribute to a “kind and caring” man.

“Kevin was a son, father, brother, uncle, cousin and a friend to many. He was kind and caring and he would help anyone if he could,” they said.

Kevin Thorne was pulled from the River Tone in Taunton. Picture: Google

“Kevin was a loved man, not just by his family, but by everyone who knew him.

“Losing Kev has been a massive shock to his family and friends and is going to be sadly missed by all.

“His family is devasted losing Kev at such a young age of just 49, he was taken tragically too soon.”

The family requested privacy during this time and police said they are being offered support by a specially-trained family liaison officer.

A 30-year-old woman was arrested in connection with the incident and has since been released on police bail.

“It is believed that the victim and the suspect are known to each other and there is no wider risk to the public,” the police spokesperson added.

“The investigation is ongoing and we urge people not to speculate.”

READ MORE: Taunton news from your Somerset Leveller

Kevin Thorne, 49, was remembered as a “kind and caring” man. Picture: Avon & Somerset Police