A body has been pulled from a river in the search for a missing 18-year-old army cadet who had not been seen for a week.
University of Reading student Fintan was first reported missing in Oxford in the early hours of Wednesday last week after failing to return to his halls.
Officers recovered a body from water near Osney Mead, an industrial estate in the city, yesterday.
Formal identification is yet to be conducted but police believe it to be Fintan. His family have been informed and are being supported by officers.
Tributes have started to pour in for the teenager who was last seen wearing a blue jacket, trainers and long white socks while walking down Whitehouse Road near the River Thames at around 3.30am on November 27.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Bristol & the Channel Islands Army Cadets (ACF) wrote: ‘We have learned that one of our former Army Cadets, Fintan, has been found deceased by search and rescue teams in the River Thames after his disappearance.
‘These pictures tell the story of some of the significant moments in his time as an Army Cadet. May he rest in peace.’
Captain Poppy Gates said: ‘Such sad news. One of our own. RIP Fintan. Thoughts are with his family & friends at this sad time.’
Colonel Matt Robson added: ‘A cracking Army Cadet. Remember the good times. Rest in peace, Fintan.’
Another wrote: ‘Rest in peace Fintan, genuinely the nicest person and amazing friend, you deserved every promotion and no camp felt the same without you.
‘Wishing your family and Horfield ACF the best.’
A spokesman from University of Reading told the Reading Chronicle: ‘We are deeply saddened by this latest news from Thames Valley Police. The thoughts of the University community are with Fintan’s family and friends.
‘If you need support or someone to talk to, our student support helpline is open 24/7 on 0800 023 2466, or additional support can be accessed via: https://www.reading.ac.uk/…/Support-And…/Urgent-help’.
The death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.
Detective Inspector George Atkinson, based at Oxford Police Station, said: ‘Sadly, we discovered the body of a man in the water near Osney Mead this morning.
‘Our thoughts remain with Fintan’s family at this difficult time.
‘We would like to thank Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire for their support and assistance, as well as members of the public who shared our appeal and helped us in our search.’