Police discover physique in River Thames in seek for lacking Oxford pupil who vanished greater than three weeks in the past
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.
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.
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.
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.
‘The university have offered support, the tutors and the welfare team have been reaching out and helping the other students.’
Ben was last seen wearing a red chequered shirt over a black T-shirt, light blue baggy jeans and trainers, as shown in a CCTV image released by police.
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.
Pictured: 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
Ben was last seen wearing a red chequered shirt over a black T-shirt, light blue baggy jeans and trainers, as shown in a CCTV image released by police
‘Although formal identification has not yet taken place, we believe this to be Ben. His next-of kin have been informed and officers are supporting them. Our thoughts are with them at this very distressing time.
‘A file will be prepared for the coroner but there is nothing to indicate that this was anything other than a tragic accident.
‘Our thoughts remain with Ben’s family at this difficult time.
‘We would like to thank Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire for the support they have provided in our search for Ben.
‘We would also extend our thanks to members of the public who also provided support.’
During the search the police deployed a marine unit to search a river in the area.
OxSar, a team of professional volunteers that help look for missing people, has also been helping police over the last few weeks and enabled the riverways to be thoroughly searched.
