Police confirmed tonight they had found a body in the search for a ‘vulnerable’ missing boy who had vanished near the sea at the weekend.
The body was recovered at 6.20pm in the West Shore area of Llandudno following a four-day major hunt for 16-year-old Athrun.
North Wales Police said formal identification of the body is yet to take place, but Athrun’s family had been informed and are being supported by officers.
The teenager, who is autistic, had last been seen on Saturday near a boating lake and playpark at West Shore Beach.
Sea, land and air searches had been carried out in the area involving the police, coastguard, and RNLI, as well as members of the public.
At around 7pm yesterday there was a potential sighting of a body during air searches by the National Police Air Service, triggering a major response from the coastguard and RNLI.
Chief Inspector Trystan Bevan said: ‘My deepest condolences remain with Athrun’s family, and I would ask for their privacy to be respected at this incredibly sad and difficult time.
‘This is not the outcome anyone hoped for, and I would once again like to thank partner agencies and members of the public for their overwhelming support and tireless assistance with the searches over the last five days.’
A body was recovered at 6.20pm in the West Shore area of Llandudno following a four-day major hunt for 16-year-old Athrun (pictured)
The teenager, who is autistic, had last been seen on Saturday near a boating lake and playpark at West Shore Beach.
The death is not being treated as suspicious, and police have informed the coroner.
Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy, tonight posted a poignant tribute on Facebook to Athrun.
‘I am incredibly sad to learn of the tragic and very distressing outcome and I thank North Wales Police for providing such a difficult update,’ she said.
‘My thoughts and prayers are now with his parents, family and friends and we should allow them the privacy to grieve over their dreadful loss.’
