A "popular and well-liked" British teenager has died after apparently plunging 10 floors from a hotel balcony while on holiday in Bulgaria. Liam Davies, 19, was believed to have fallen more than 130-feet to his death after returning to the hotel in a taxi with friends on Sunday following a night out.

They did not have enough money to pay the fare and so Mr. Davies reportedly went to his 10th-floor room to get some cash, but never returned.

When his friends went to look for him they found his body on the ground below the room's balcony. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim, known as Shaun, was on a package holiday in the popular resort of Sunny Beach on the Black Sea coast. Mr. Davies, from Llanelli in south Wales, worked as a customer care assistant for McDonald's in the town.

"We are extremely saddened by the news of the death of Liam Davies, known to McDonald's friends and colleagues as Shaun," said Ann Jones, business manager of the restaurant. He was an extremely popular and well-liked member of the team and we are working to support our staff at this very difficult time."

Social media tributes

Friends also paid tribute on social networking websites Facebook and Twitter.

Alison White wrote "Still in total shock over the death of Shaun - why is it that only the good die young? It was such a privilege knowing Shaun he was one of life's kindest, funniest, most caring people."

A spokeswoman for travel firm Thomas Cook confirmed "the tragic death of Mr Liam Davies whilst on holiday in Bulgaria".

She added: "Our thoughts and sympathies are with Liam's family and friends, and our team in resort are providing their total support during this very difficult time."

A UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesman said: "We can confirm a British national has died at the Sunny Beach resort, in Bulgaria. We are liaising with the authorities in the country and consular assistance is being offered."