Police Find Body in River Thames in Search for Missing Oxford Student
By JORDANA SEAL
Police have found a body in the River Thames nearly a month after a University of Oxford student vanished in the early hours of the morning.
Missing Student
Benedict, known as Ben, was reported missing on Sunday, January 26, his last known sighting was in Frideswide Square, west of central Oxford, at around 1am.
Police Investigation
Thames Valley Police have now found a body in the River Thames near Iffley Lock, Oxford, which they believe is the 20-year-old student.
Detective Inspector James Blackmore, based at St Aldates police station, said: ‘Extensive enquiries have been ongoing for Ben since he was reported missing, and very sadly, a body has been located this morning.’
Reaction from Friends and Family
Emma Picket, whose son is friends with Ben, previously told MailOnline: ‘This has been really frightening and shocking and turned all the lives upside down of all the people that knew Ben.’
‘Ben had a really beautiful connection with lots of friends, he had a lovely friendship network, my son was part of a group with Ben and they’re all working hard to support each other and look after each other.
Conclusion
The discovery of a body in the River Thames brings an end to the search for Benedict, a 20-year-old University of Oxford student who went missing nearly a month ago. While formal identification has not yet taken place, police believe the body to be Ben’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
* Q: When was Benedict reported missing?
A: Benedict was reported missing on Sunday, January 26.
* Q: Where was Benedict last seen?
A: Benedict was last seen in Frideswide Square, west of central Oxford, at around 1am.
* Q: How did police find the body?
A: Police deployed a marine unit to search a river in the area and were assisted by OxSar, a team of professional volunteers that help look for missing people.
* Q: Is the identity of the body confirmed?
A: While formal identification has not yet taken place, police believe the body to be Benedict’s.
About The Author
