Key Takeaways
- A body has been recovered during the search for a missing 50-year-old man named Matthew
- Matthew was last seen on December 4 at Bristol Harbourside, and a public appeal was launched on December 14 to trace him
- The police are treating the death as unexplained, but not suspicious, and will be preparing a file for the coroner
- The next of kin have been informed and are being offered support
- The police are grateful for the public’s help in sharing the appeal to find Matthew
Introduction to the Incident
The Avon and Somerset Police force has shared a tragic update in the search for a missing man, Matthew, who was last seen at Bristol Harbourside on December 4. A public appeal was launched on December 14 to trace the 50-year-old, who had not been seen for 10 days. The police were very concerned for his welfare, and unfortunately, their worst fears have been confirmed. In a Facebook post, a police spokesperson announced that a body had been recovered during the search for Matthew.
The Search Efforts
The search for Matthew began on December 11, when the report was escalated to the police. He was last seen walking past BSB Bar at around 4am on December 4, and it is believed that he had links to the Southville area, as well as the city centre. The police did not specify where the discovery was made, but it is clear that their efforts to locate Matthew were extensive. The public appeal was shared widely, and the police are grateful for the help they received from the community in sharing the appeal and trying to find Matthew.
The Discovery and Investigation
The body was recovered during the search, and while formal identification has not yet taken place, the police have updated Matthew’s next of kin and are offering them support. The police are treating the death as unexplained, but not suspicious, which means that they do not believe that any foul play was involved. However, they will still be preparing a file for the coroner, which will help to determine the cause of death. The police have also stated that they will be investigating the circumstances surrounding Matthew’s death, although the exact details of this investigation are not yet clear.
Support for the Family
The police have expressed their condolences to Matthew’s family and friends, who are likely to be going through a very difficult time. The next of kin have been informed of the discovery, and the police are offering them support and guidance as they come to terms with the news. This support will likely include help with the practical arrangements that need to be made, as well as emotional support and counseling. The police have also asked that the public respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time, and allow them the space to grieve.
Conclusion and Reflection
The recovery of a body during the search for Matthew is a tragic reminder of the risks and uncertainties of life. The police and the community came together to try to find Matthew, and while the outcome is not what anyone had hoped for, it is clear that everyone involved did their best to help. The police will now be focusing on investigating the circumstances surrounding Matthew’s death, and the community will be coming to terms with the loss of a member of their community. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of looking out for one another and supporting those in need, and the police are grateful for the help they received from the public in trying to find Matthew.