UK’s Metropolitan police have confirmed that a body found in a pond in Epping Forest is that of a missing Nigerian teenager, Richard Okorogheye.
The 19-year-old, who had sickle cell disease, had not been seen by his family since he left home in Ladbroke Grove area of west London at 8.30pm on Monday, March 22 and was reported missing two days later.
Before his disappearance, Okorogheye had been shielding, meaning he was not expected to leave home and minimise face-to-face contact for health reasons.
He was last seen on CCTV in Loughton, Essex, in the early hours of Tuesday, March 23, walking towards Epping Forest, and has not used his phone since his disappearance.
CCTV footage shows he was wearing all black and had a black satchel bag with a white Adidas logo, worn across his lower back.
He was captured on CCTV walking alone on Smarts Lane, Loughton, towards Epping Forest at 12.39am on Tuesday March 23.
However, UK’s Metropolitan police on Monday found a body in a pond while searching for Okorogheye.
Although the body was yet to be confirmed as Okorogheye’s, the police said his family has been informed of the discovery.
In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said;
‘Detectives investigating the disappearance of 19-year-old are aware. Richard’s family are being supported by specially trained officers and kept updated with developments. Officers remain at the scene and enquiries continue.
In latest development, officers have said the body found is that of the Oxford Brookes student, BBC reports.
Police said Okorogheye’s family had been informed and were being supported by specially trained officers.
Okorogheye’s death is being treated as unexplained. Police do not believe anyone else was involved.
A post-mortem found no evidence of physical trauma or assault and the cause of death is pending whilst further investigations are carried out.
Speaking about the death, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Danny Gosling said;
My deepest sympathies go out to Richard’s family at this incredibly difficult time. This was not the outcome that any of us had hoped for. I would like to extend my thanks to the many officers, staff and members of the public who have each played a part in the extensive effort to locate Richard.
May his soul rest in peace.
