A teenager who had been missing for ten days has been found dead in the Severn Estuary, bringing a devastating end to a search that had gripped the Newport community.
Emergency services were called to the River Usk in Newport after reports of a body being spotted in the water. The discovery came ten days after the young person was first reported missing, ending what had been an agonising wait for family and friends.
The Severn Estuary and the River Usk, which flows through the heart of Newport before meeting the estuary, are well-known to local search and rescue teams. The tidal nature of the waterway makes searches in the area notoriously difficult, with currents capable of carrying objects significant distances over short periods of time.
South Wales Police and HM Coastguard are among the agencies that typically coordinate responses to incidents along this stretch of water, working alongside the RNLI and fire service water rescue teams.
The death is not being treated as suspicious at this stage, and a file will be prepared for the coroner. The formal identification process was underway following the recovery of the body.
Newport, which sits on the western bank of the Usk close to where it meets the Severn Estuary, has seen a number of water-related tragedies over the years. Campaigners and safety organisations have repeatedly called for greater awareness around the dangers of rivers and tidal waters in South Wales, particularly among young people.
The family of the teenager have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. Police have asked that the family be given privacy and space to grieve during what is an unimaginably difficult time.
Authorities have not released the name of the teenager pending formal identification and notification of next of kin.
Anyone who is struggling or in crisis can contact the Samaritans at any time by calling 116 123, free of charge, from any phone.