Hampshire police referred to watchdog over missing teen death

Police were seen lining a pathway along the riverbank during searches on Monday

A police force has referred itself to the police watchdog after the body of a missing teenager was found.

A large police search started after Marcel Wochna, 15, was seen entering the water near Southampton's Cobden Bridge at about midnight on Sunday.

Hampshire Constabulary said it referred the investigation to the Independent Office for Police Conduct "following a death after police contact".

His next of kin are being supported by specialist officers, the force said.

It added officers were in the area at the time "following reports of criminal damage being caused at Cobden Marine Court", but has not given any further details.

Marcel was a Year 11 student at Bitterne Park School.

In a letter to parents, head teacher Stewart Roderick said the school community was "devastated by this horrendous news".

He said: "We will all pull together and support each other during this sad time.

"Marcel was popular with staff and students alike and had many friends in not only his year group, but across the school."

He said support would be put in place to help students come to terms with Marcel's death

Flowers have been left alongside the river in tribute to Marcel

Police carried out searches along the River Itchen