Body found in river in Bedford in search for missing man

Police say a body was found in the River Great Ouse near Russell Park in Bedford

A body has been found in a river after police appealed for the public's help to find a missing person.

Bedfordshire Police said on Friday there were concerns about a man, named only as Stuart.

In an update on Christmas Day, the force confirmed a body had been discovered in the River Great Ouse near Russell Park in Bedford.

A post on X said formal identification had not yet taken place but Stuart's family had been informed.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with his loved ones at this extremely difficult time," it added.

The body was recovered from the stretch of river between the suspension bridge and the white butterfly bridge, police said.