At around 12.15pm yesterday Tuesday, February 6th police were contacted to report the body of a man had been found in the River Ribble at Maritime Way, Ashton on Ribble, Preston.

While he has not been formally identified we believe the body is that of Michael Brooks, 19, who went missing from Avenham Park on January 14th.

A post mortem examination will take place to establish the cause of death but at this time it is not being treated as suspicious.

Mr Brooks’s family are aware and specially trained officers are offering support to them. They were out looking for Michael when the body was found. Our thoughts are with Michael’s family and friends at this sad time.

Ah, so sad.