A body has been found in the search for an 18-year-old man who went missing over a week ago. Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that a body was recovered from water at a coastal location near Newport, Wales, on Sunday morning.
George, from Portishead, a seaside town in north Somerset, England, was last seen in that area at around 8.20pm on September 17. A large-scale search involving police, the coastguard, the RNLI and other services took place in the following days.
Formal identification process to follow
An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: "The items of clothing worn by the man matched those George had last been seen wearing in Portishead on Thursday, September 17."
The spokesperson added: "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 treated as suspicious and will be a matter for the coroner going forward.
Family requests privacy
Police said: "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."
They added: "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."
