Tributes paid to talented journalist killed by croc

COLLEAGUES yesterday paid tribute to a Financial Times journalist believed to have been killed by a crocodile.

Paul McClean, whose body was yesterday recovered from a lagoon in Sri Lanka, was described as ‘talented, energetic and dedicated’.

The 24-year-old Oxford University graduate was last seen waving frantically as he was dragged under water on Thursday. Mr McClean’s body was identified by friends he had been travelling with. It was found by divers at Elephant Rock, a popular surfing spot 225 miles east of the capital, Colombo.

A police official said: ‘There were six or seven wounds on his right leg. The body was stuck in mud at about the same place where he was seen last by some others who were with him.’

James Lamont, managing editor of the FT, said: ‘Our thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones. We are in touch with them, doing all we can to help during this difficult time.’

A colleague added: ‘We’re all totally stunned. He was a great kid, an Everton fan, super bright. It’s an absolute tragedy.’