Officers searching for a missing teenager have recovered a body in the water near a coastal town.

The young man – George, 18 – was last seen on Woodlands Road in Portishead, Somerset, at around 8.20pm on Thursday.

The body of a man was recovered from the sea on Sunday off the coast of Newport.

His clothing matched the description of those worn by George when he was last spotted.

Work is ongoing to formally identify the body, but George’s family have been informed of the latest development and are being supported by specialist officers.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said: ‘The death is not being treated as suspicious and will be a matter for the coroner going forward.

‘While George’s family have been touched by all the offers of support they have received recently, quite understandably they are requesting their privacy is respected at this time.

‘Finally, we would like to thank everyone who called in with information and shared our appeals, as well as Gwent Police and the RNLI for their involvement today.’

In an earlier appeal for information, officers said that George may be disoriented or confused, but warned search parties not to risk their own safety on dangerous mud, rocks, or heights.

Specialist teams had scoured challenging coastal areas for the missing teenager.

Neighbourhood chief inspector Andy Barry said: ‘I would like to recognise the strength and resilience of George’s family during this time and we continue to keep them updated through a specialist liaison officer.’

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