Search called off for missing man, 18, after body found in water

A body was found off the coast of Wales, following a prolonged search for a man missing from England

Advertisement

A body has been found in the search for a missing 18-year-old last seen over a week ago. On Sunday morning a body was recovered from water at a coastal location near Newport in Wales, according to a statement from Avon and Somerset Police.

George, from Portishead, a seaside town in north Somerset, England, went missing from that area at around 8.20pm on September 17. In the following days there was a large-scale search by the police, coastguard, RNLI and other services, reports WalesOnline.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson has now said: “The items of clothing worn by the man matched those George had last been seen wearing in Portishead on Thursday, September 17.

“As a matter of routine, a formal identification process will need to be undertaken. However, we have informed George’s family of this latest development and are continuing to provide them with support through a specially trained officer.

“The death is not being treating as suspicious and will be a matter for the coroner going forward.

READ MORE: Expert warns UK would “meltdown” in real Russia wargames as Sturgeon stars in reality show

READ MORE: Armed prisoners rioted at Scotland’s young offenders jail as facility locked down

“While George’s family have been touched by all the offers of support they have received recently, quite understandably they are requesting their privacy is respected at this time.

“Finally, we would like to thank everyone who called in with information and shared our appeals, as well as Gwent Police and the RNLI for their involvement today.”

During the search last week, neighbourhood chief inspector Andy Barry said: “I would like to recognise the strength and resilience of George’s family during this time and we continue to keep them updated through a specialist liaison officer.”

Want to see more of the stories you love from the Irish Mirror? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives… To add Irish Mirror as a preferred source, simply click here.