Charlton in mourning

Players and officials at Charlton Athletic were still in a state of shock yesterday after Pierre Bolangi, a 17-year-old youth player, drowned in an accident at an army training centre in Aldershot.

Players and officials at Charlton Athletic were still in a state of shock yesterday after Pierre Bolangi, a 17-year-old youth player, drowned in an accident at an army training centre in Aldershot.

The Congo-born defender died on Wednesday and local police immediately launched an inquiry in an effort to discover how the accident happened.

The young Charlton players had been at the army's physical training centre at Aldershot to build up their pre-season fitness. The Addicks' chief executive Peter Varney said: "We are absolutely devastated by this terrible tragedy and our condolences go to Pierre's family. Our first thoughts are with them."

Charlton immediately suspended their youth academy until further notice and called off their Under-17, Under-19 and reserve team matches this weekend. A press open day originally scheduled for yesterday was cancelled and a minute's silence will be observed before the newly-promoted club's Premiership opening fixture at home to Manchester City on 19 August.