“HEARTBREAKING TO SHARE THIS” — Police Release Devastating Update in Search for Missing 18-Year-Old Football Fan, Who Vanished a Week Ago Before His Belongings Were Found Near the Stadium at Pride Park Stadium
A BODY has tragically been found in the search for a missing Birmingham City fan.
Paul Pike, 18, from Birmingham, had travelled to Derbyshire to watch his team play at Pride Park on Saturday, March 21, before he vanished.
The teen was last spotted outside the stadium less than 15 minutes after kick-off at around 12.43pm.
Paul was seen on CCTV walking a path that runs alongside the River Derwent close to the Millenium Way cut through, police said.
Derbyshire Police said they had found items they believe belong to Paul near a path next to the stadium.
His family issued a heartbreaking statement during the search saying they love him and are very concerned for his welfare.
It read: “Paul, you are not in trouble at all, we just want you home.
“Come home so we can look forward to the cricket season at Warwickshire and the rest of the season for the Blues.
“I will also sort out the away tickets for Hull.”
Officers searching the River Derwent near Pride Park, close to where Paul was last seen, sadly discovered a body just before 10.30am today.
While formal identification has not yet taken place, Paul’s family have been made aware.
The death is not being treated as suspicious and there is not believed to be any third-party involvement.
A spokesperson for Derbyshire Police added: “A large number of people, from both the local area and Paul’s home city of Birmingham, have been searching the area in previous days and we would like to pass on our thanks for their support during the search.
“A file is now being prepared for the coroner.”
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