Teen 'Died Trying To Save Boyfriend In Canal'

Tributes have been paid to a 17-year-old girl and her boyfriend who died in a canal tragedy in which she reportedly tried to save him from drowning.

The victims, Sara Rylance and Fayz Uddin, were killed in Smethwick in the West Midlands.

They had kept their relationship secret from their families because they had different backgrounds, friends of the couple said.

It is believed Mr Uddin, 18, lost his footing and fell into the water in the incident on Wednesday evening.

Miss Rylance, attempting to stop him drowning, then reportedly tried to pull him out.

She is thought to have struggled to hold on to him and also plunged into the water.

They were pulled out by the emergency services and then taken to hospital where they were later pronounced dead.

At the scene of the incident, close friend Yasmin, 17, wept as she spoke of her shock at the news of the pair's death.

She said: "Fayz was just the most amazing guy and Sara was the strongest and most determined girl.

"I had known Fayz since we were in Year Six at school together and I can't believe he has gone, I am still in shock."

She added: "They were a couple but obviously because of the general circumstances and different backgrounds they kept it quiet.

"Because of his family they couldn't really say much but they really did like each other, I knew that."

Floral tributes have been seen floating in the canal where the teenagers died.

A card on one bunch of flowers read: "To Sara RIP. God Bless. Love Aunty Jean, Uncle Rody, Vicky, Kay and Lisa. xxxx"

Friends also left tributes for the pair on the social networking website Facebook.

One wrote: "Your death was so sudden. We are so proud of you for trying to save the one you love, It takes great strength and courage. Well done baby girl.

"We all love and miss you so much. Your a great girl and wont be forgotten any time soon. Love you."

Another posted: "Still cnt beilive that you're gone.. i miss you soo much :'(, i txt you yesterday but had no reply but i never thought tha would be the last time. tragic accident its soo unreal..

"You've always been there for me.. you were an amazing friend, you had a great personality, you was the most understanding person, i used to tlk to u about anything and everything."

Fayz studied a one-year course in IT and business at Halesowen College last year.

The college paid its respects to the victims' relatives. Principal Keith Bate said: "I extend my deepest sympathies to both families after this tragedy."

He said the college would be putting measures in place to help support any students who were affected by the death.

A spokesman for the West Midlands Ambulance Service said: "A man and woman were recovered from the water and crews worked as a team to deliver advanced life support at the scene.

"The patients were taken to hospital, but they were pronounced dead a short time later."

Police have refused to confirm reports Miss Rylance had been trying to save her boyfriend after he fell in the canal.

Officers believe it was a tragic accident and are trying to piece together the sequence of events which led to the incident.

Both families, who live locally, are being supported by specially trained officers.

Anyone with information is urged to contact their local police station.