Missing Colin: Body found
POLICE searching for missing Dewsbury pensioner Colin Vasey have found a man’s body in the river.
Divers found the body in the River Calder close to a building yard at Horbury Bridge, near Wakefield, at around 12.50pm yesterday.
Mr Vasey’s family have been informed but formal identification has yet to take place.
Det Chief Insp Fiona Gaffney, of Kirklees CID, said: “Following an extensive search over the past four weeks, we are sad to inform the public that a body has been found in the search for Colin Vasey.
“While formal identification has yet to take place, the family of Mr Vasey are aware and they are being supported by officers.
“This wasn’t the outcome we were wishing for, but we hope Mr Vasey’s family will now have the closure they need and can begin to grieve for Colin. They have requested that their privacy is respected at this time.
“I would like to thank all those who have helped in the search for Mr Vasey – the outpouring of support and the response from the public has been nothing short of immense.
“We have had hundreds of people helping in whatever way they can, from providing and searching for CCTV, to on the ground searches. Their support is greatly appreciated by Mr Vasey’s family, the police and the wider community.”
Mr Vasey’s granddaughter Emma Schofield posted on Facebook: “We would like to thank you all for your support and help over the past four weeks.
“Now we as a family request some privacy at this time to spend as a family.
“As the statement says we are still awaiting formal identification at this time.”
Mr Vasey, 81, was last seen on November 17. He was captured on CCTV walking near Dewsbury Minster, the town’s parish church, at 6am.