BODY FOUND IN SEARCH FOR MISSING ROYAL WELSH TEENAGER
ABODY has been found in the search for missing teenager James Corfield. The 19-year-old was reported missing shortly before 2pm last Tuesday after failing to meet his family at the Royal Welsh Show where he had been camping with friends.
Dyfed-Powys Police said a body was discovered in Builth Wells yesterday afternoon. James, 19, a farmer’s son, had last been seen at the White Horse pub in the town at around midnight on Monday.
James’ mother Louise and aunt Gill Corfield had both made desperate appeals for any information following his disappearance, which the family said was “totally out of character”.
Police said yesterday that the body – which was found in a deep pool in the River Wye – had not been formally identified.
A statement from the force said the family had been made aware of the development and were being supported by a family liaison officer.
Over six days, stretches of the River Wye were searched by police, mountain rescue teams, kayakers and the fire service.
Highly-skilled officers from Dyfed-Powys, supported by colleagues from South Wales Police and Devon and Cornwall Police, specialist teams and volunteers had searched for Mr Corfield across Builth Wells on land, water and from the air. Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s drone has also been used to continue looking for Mr Corfield along the river.
A gathering in Mr Corfield’s hometown of Montgomery took place on Saturday in a bid to let his family know “how much they are loved”.
Around 200 people, including local cricket club players and his football teammates from Montgomery FC, had gathered in the Powys town for the show of solidarity – all wearing blue, the colour of the T-shirt James was wearing when he went missing.
Town crier Susan Blower had urged locals to “keep this message alive” in a passionate speech.
She said: “To see the comradery of a sea of blue is so incredible supporting the Corfield family. People need to know across the country what has happened here and we need to know that he’s loved.”
The talented cricketer’s team, Montgomery, called off their match on Saturday as the search had continued. The club had said: “He’s an outstanding cricketer and friend to everyone at the club.”
A statement from Dyfed-Powys Police said yesterday: “The body has not been formally identified at this time. The family have been made aware of the development and are being supported by a family liaison officer.
“Dyfed-Powys Police would like to thank the public for their continued support. Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.”