TRIBUTES have been paid to a talented young rugby player discovered dead at his home from what is believed to be a single gunshot wound to the head.

Former Rednock School pupil, Steven Sheldon, 19, from Stinchcombe, who had just completed his A-Levels, was a popular member of Dursley Rugby Club. "Off the field Steven was well known for his chatty personality and generosity, which he was happy to share with the wider world," said Simon Bilous, senior manager at Dursley Rugby Club.

"He is sorely missed by the whole of Dursley Rugby Club – young and old alike – for his talent and commitment on the field, and for his lively personality off it."

Steven died in the early hours of the morning on July 18 at his home. Police have confirmed that they were called to an incident of a gunshot wound. They are not treating it as suspicious and they are not looking for anyone in connection with the incident.

A police spokesman said: "Police attended the scene at 12.45am after being called by ambulance crews. The patient was pronounced dead in the ambulance at 12.50am."

The coroner said the cause of death was a single gunshot to the head, an inquest was opened on July 22 and has been adjourned until early next year.

Steven played rugby from at young age in Dursley and grew into a confident scrum-half player.

More recently he established himself as a regular player in the Dursley Nomads (3rd) team.

Mr Bilous said: "Although he had the talent and ability to play for the higher teams his personal preference was to play in the Nomads – a decision for which the older members of that team were always grateful.

"His play was typically characterised by a combination of physical strength, good speed off the mark, and a capacity to maintain a non-stop commentary on play that was of great benefit to his team-mates.

"The thoughts of the whole club are with his family at this very sad time."

A funeral service is being held today at Alveston memorial woodlands.