A body has been found in the search for an 18-year-old man named George, who went missing from the seaside town of Portishead in north Somerset on September 17.
Avon and Somerset Police said a body had been recovered on Sunday morning from water at a coastal location near Newport in Wales. The items of clothing worn by the man matched those George had last been seen wearing in Portishead on Thursday, September 17.
Family informed of discovery
In the days following his disappearance, police, coastguard, RNLI and other services launched a large search for George. The force has now informed George's family of the discovery, Wales Online reports.
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."
Formal identification process
"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."
"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."
Search efforts acknowledged
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."
