Body Discovered in Canal Village Search
A body, believed to be that of missing 21-year-old Ocado employee Max Walsh, was discovered on Saturday afternoon close to where his car had been found unattended in the Leicestershire village of Snarestone. The discovery brings a tragic development to a search that began when Mr Walsh was reported missing after failing to return home from work.
Timeline of a Disappearance
Max Walsh was last seen on Thursday afternoon after leaving his workplace in Dordon, Warwickshire. He was wearing his Ocado uniform at the time. Concern grew when he did not return home and missed a scheduled 7pm football game that evening, prompting a family member to report him missing.
The investigation intensified on Friday when his blue Seat car was located parked near a canal in Snarestone, a village approximately 10 miles from his place of work in Dordon. Leicestershire Police subsequently issued an urgent public appeal for information, stating that his family and officers were 'extremely concerned' for his welfare.
Arrest and Community Shock
Following the discovery of the body on Saturday, police confirmed that a 66-year-old man has been arrested in connection with what is currently being treated as an 'unexplained' death. The force has not yet disclosed the specific suspicions behind the arrest. Formal identification is still pending, but the body is believed to be that of Mr Walsh.
His family are now being supported by specialist police officers during this difficult time. The news has sent shockwaves through the quiet community of Snarestone. Residents expressed their disbelief, with one local, John Burdett, 58, noting the unusual police presence, stating, 'Usually, you only see police here about once a month.'
Another villager on Main Street, who wished to remain anonymous, said, 'I'm really shocked. I did see some police cars but I didn't really understand what it was about.' A 76-year-old woman who regularly visits the village described the event as 'appalling and heartbreaking' for such a 'quiet little village'.
A police cordon remained in place off Green Lane near Snarestone on Saturday morning, with several police vehicles and a Police Federation van present at the scene as the investigation continues.
