The community of Pembroke has been in mourning this week for a teenager who tragically died hours after celebrating his 18th birthday.

Robert Mansfield from Pembroke sadly died in the early hours of Monday morning after entering the water at the town’s Mill Pond.

Affectionately known as Rob, he had got into difficulties at around 2.40 am.

In a statement issued via the police, his family paid tribute to him saying: “It is with deepest sadness we can confirm that our beloved Rob tragically died on the morning of Monday, July 27. He had spent the previous day enjoying himself surrounded by family and friends as it was his 18th birthday.

“Rob was a kind and caring lad whom adored his nan, helping her care for his grandad, Tom. He will be missed so much by us and all that knew him.”

Dyfed-Powys Police Temporary Inspector Catrin Thomas said on Monday following the tragedy: “At approximately 2.40 am, police received reports that an 18-year-old man had gone into the water in Mill Pond, Pembroke, had got into difficulties and had not been seen since. A large scale search operation was commenced immediately, involving specialist fire and rescue teams, the coastguard, RAF Kinloss, police and the local authority. The search continued throughout the night, but sadly the body of a male person has now been recovered.”

A spokesman for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said that approximately 20 firefighters from Pembroke Dock, Milford Haven and Carmarthen, including specialist swift water rescue teams using search boats, had been involved in the search.

Monday’s tragedy is the third at the Mill Pond this year. On New Year’s Day, the body of a 52-year-old man was found in the water, while in April, a 57-year-old also died there.