A body has been discovered in the search for a missing student who disappeared on his way home from the pub.
Sebastian Sailes, 21, was last seen leaving the Black Horse Pub in Chippenham at about 11.30pm on February 27 and was captured on CCTV heading towards Lovers Walk.
He is then thought to have headed south along Avon Valley Walk towards his home address in Notton, Wakefield but has not been seen since.
Police divers, who have been searching a stretch of the River Avon in Chippenham following his disappearance, have ‘sadly recovered a body,’ Wiltshire Police have said.
‘Sebastian’s family have been informed of the latest development and our thoughts are with them at this extremely difficult time.’
Formal identification will take place in due course.
Wiltshire Police Superintendent James Brain said: ‘This development will of course be devastating for Sebastian’s family.
‘I would like to offer my sincere condolences, and I know that everyone involved in supporting this operation will also be thinking of Sebastian’s family.
‘We will continue to offer our support over the coming days.
A body has been discovered in the search for Sebastian Sailes (pictured)
CCTV footage shows Sebastian heading to Lovers Walk after leaving the Black Horse Pub
Sebastian as captured by doorbell footage wearing the clothes he was last seen in
‘I would ask that their privacy is respected.’
Since Sebastian was reported missing, Wiltshire Police, volunteers from Wiltshire Search and Rescue, Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire, specialist support teams from other forces, local businesses and support charities have been working ‘tirelessly’ to locate Sebastian, the force said.
Sebastian is described as being white, around 5ft 10ins tall, of a slim build with blonde/brown hair and a long fringe.
On the evening of his disappearance, he was seen wearing a grey jumper, blue jeans, a beige fur lined jacket and white Adidas trainers with a Velcro strap across the top.
On Thursday, Sebastian’s distraught family made a desperate plea for information on the whereabouts of their ‘much-loved son’.
They said: ‘We are a very close family and are all extremely anxious and praying for the safe return of our much-loved son Sebastian.
‘We are unbelievably grateful for the efforts of the police and all the amazing volunteers.
‘The public support has been heart-warming, and we appeal to anyone who may have information to contact Wiltshire Police immediately, in the hope that our beautiful boy is returned to us safe and sound.’
It comes after police said a body they found in a search of the River Avon on March 3 was not Sebastian.
The man in his 70s has been identified and his family informed, a spokesperson for the force added.
