Body found in river believed to be missing student Emmanuel Chikwa

A body which has been pulled from a river in Chester is believed to be the body of missing teenager Emmanuel Chikwa. Cheshire Police confirmed the news on Sunday (April 10) after the 18-year-old student was reported missing earlier this month.

Emmanuel Chikwa, 18, was last seen on Sunday, March 27 and was later reported missing on April 1, with police issuing appeals to the public to help trace his whereabouts. CCTV footage of him on the day he vanished was also shared by police shortly after.

However, following 10 days of searching, Cheshire Police confirmed that a body was pulled from the River Dee in Chester City Centre and added that, despite formal identification having not yet taken place, it was understood to be the 18-year-old.

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In an update on Sunday evening, Cheshire Police confirmed the family of the teenager, who was originally from Sheffield, had been informed and were being supported by specialist officers. They wrote: "Sadly, officers searching for missing student Emmanuel Chikwa discovered a body in the River Dee near to The Groves in Chester City Centre this afternoon.

"Formal identification has not yet taken place. However, the body is believed to be that of Emmanuel Chikwa.

"The family of the 18-year-old, who is originally from Sheffield, have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. The death is not being treated as suspicious and a case file will be prepared for the coroner.

"Officers would like to thank members of the public for their support during the search for Emmanuel and request that his family’s privacy be respected at this difficult time."