Shropshire Star

Body found in search for man in Ludlow

A body has been pulled from a river in Shropshire following an extensive police search involving specialist divers and sniffer dogs.

Published

A 48-year-old man was discovered in the River Teme after his family raised the alert.

The circumstances of the death have yet to be revealed and an inquest is expected to be opened and adjourned.

Police have warned about the dangers of entering rivers and waterways in hot weather following two fatalities in Shropshire last year.

The West Mercia Police helicopter was used as part of an extensive search, which also involved the force's water rescue team.

The missing man's car had been found empty alongside the river in Ludlow. The area is a popular tourist destination and shocked visitors watched as the police operation continued. Officers confirmed last night a body had been found.

The missing man's wife is believed to have been at the scene to witness the search.

The identity of the man has yet to be released as not all family members have been informed of his death.

Force Duty Inspector Andy Smith said: "I can confirm that a body of a man was pulled from the water but we are unable to say anything more at this time."

Councillor Viv Parry, who lives just yards from the scene, said she was "saddened" by the news, and that the death is not the first tragedy to have happened in the area in recent years.

She said: "It's terribly sad and the residents here are all very shocked as you can imagine.

"We were initially worried it was a child who had gone swimming. The river is particularly dangerous at this time of year because the banks are very slippy."

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