Body found in River Mersey confirmed to be that of missing Trafford dad Tony Williamson as family pay moving tribute

The family of a dad and grandad from Trafford who vanished have paid a moving tribute after he was found dead in a river. A body was discovered in the River Mersey in Warrington on Sunday.

Police say it has now been confirmed to be that of 62-year-old Tony Williamson from Timperley. Tony disappeared after leaving his home in the village on Tuesday, December 19 last year.

That sparked a huge search operation involving members of the public as well as specialist police units. His family also made an emotional public appeal.

He was captured on CCTV footage walking down Greenway towards Park Road in Timperley at 11.12am on the day he went missing. but was not seen since.

His family has now thanked all those who helped in the search as they paid a heartbreaking tribute to him. They said: "We would like to thank everyone for sharing social media posts, and members of the public and friends who have been out looking for our dad Tony.

"It is truly with great sadness to say that he has passed away after battling a chronic illness that caused a severe decline in his mental health. He was a much-loved, well-respected man and no one had a bad word to say about him. He was a beloved husband to our mum for over 30 years, a devoted dad and grandad. We are truly devastated by his loss."

Tony had worked for the NHS for 37 years as a podiatrist, at Wythenshawe Hospital and in the local community. He then took early retirement to spend more time with his wife Jackie but was still working part-time at his own practice which he has had for over 30 years.

During the public appeal for information, made on the one-month anniversary of his disappearance. family said for the past year he has been suffering with a 'chronic illness' that had left