YouTube video 'key to pit death'

The body of the 16-year-old, who could not swim, was recovered from Lunt Pool in Bilston, West Midlands, on Sunday.

It had been reported that he was stopped from climbing out of the clay pit by a gang who pelted him with rocks. Police later confirmed that he was prevented from leaving the pool and said that a similar attack on another teenager took place just weeks earlier.

Detective Superintendent Mick Treble said West Midlands Police have now pieced together what happened before the teenager's death. Three men appeared to enter into a "dispute" with Shane at the junction of Boswell Road and Lunt Road on Saturday.

"An altercation took place," Mr Treble said. "What went on then is slightly unclear but Shane ended up in the pool. He was prevented from leaving the pool when he got into difficulties."

Police have now learned that another boy was forced into the pool on September 16. He said: "We believe a similar incident took place where a young man was forced to enter the pool. We believe that the person again was acting under some form of duress."

The incident was filmed on a mobile phone and the footage posted on the video-sharing site YouTube, he said. Police have not seen the footage, which has been taken off the website. Mr Treble said: "We are actively making inquiries... to make sure that the evidence is maintained and secured."

It is also possible that events surrounding Shane's death might also have been filmed.

Five men in their early twenties have been arrested so far, with three bailed. Another man, aged 21, from the Bilston area, is "actively being pursued", Mr Treble said, adding that he would decide whether to reveal his identity in 24 hours.

"He knows who he is and members of his family know that we want to speak to him," he said. "I would urge him to present himself at a local police station."