Friends of a missing teenager will hold a candle-lit vigil tomorrow night after his family asked for time to grieve as they come to terms with the likelihood he fell in the river.

Ben Savage, 18, did not return home after a night out at Tap n Tin in Chatham last Monday and was reported missing the next morning.

Friends of Ben will meet at Sun Pier, off Medway Street, at 7pm tomorrow (Wednesday) to remember the youngster.

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Today, his mother Tara has issued a statement on behalf of herself, his father Martin, brother Luke and the rest of their family.

She said: "Myself, Martin, Luke and the rest of Ben’s family would like to thank the emergency services, coastguard, volunteers and general public for their overwhelming support in the search for Ben.

"After an extensive review of CCTV footage, we are coming to terms with the likelihood that Ben fell in the River Medway during the early hours of Tuesday morning.

"We have to assume that he would have been unable to swim to safety" - Ben's family

"Based on the temperature of the water, the river currents and Ben’s level of consciousness when entering the river, we have to assume that he would have been unable to swim to safety.

"This is a heartbreaking time for everyone and so we, Ben’s family, now ask for some time and space to grieve.

"We would again like to thank the public for their overwhelming efforts searching for Ben. It is now time to hand the search over completely to the coastguard, who continue to work tirelessly searching the river.

"Our focus is also on the ongoing police investigation into this incident and the hours leading up to Ben’s disappearance. If anyone has any information about his final evening, please contact Kent Police on 101 quoting reference 06-0198."

Darren Welfare, a colleague of Ben, wrote on Facebook: "Everyone at work is shocked and missing that infectious smile.

"Thoughts go out to family at this sad time.

"Our little Donny Osman as we nicknamed you."

Samantha McKay posted: "I can't put into works how heartbreaking this is, I am so sorry. I don't know what to say so I'll keep it short his family are in my thoughts and prayers and I'm hoping for a miracle."

Last night, friends of Ben made a poignant show of solidarity at the club where he had been on the night he disappeared.

A touching video has been posted online of people singing along to Wiz Khalifa's See You Again, holding up their mobile phones with the torches glowing.

CCTV footage of Mr Savage’s last known movements show him walking onto Sun Pier at 3.16am. He is not seen to return.

Detective Inspector Chris Greenstreet said: "Tragically, the most likely explanation for Mr Savage’s disappearance is that he entered the river.

"The evidence is compelling when you also consider that it would be very out of character for him to go missing and to not contact his family or friends.

"We have kept his immediate family informed throughout the investigation and I would like to pay tribute to them for how dignified and supportive they have been. They have now requested privacy during this difficult time.

"I would also like to thank everyone who has helped to raise awareness of the appeal to locate Mr Savage and our thoughts are with them also."