Adam Pickup: Police find body of missing teenager near Manchester railway station

Mother of 17-year-old posts message on Facebook to let people know of her son's death

17-year-old Adam Pickup whose body police say they have found. (Greater Manchester Police/PA)

A 17-year-old boy who went missing while on a night out in Manchester has been found dead, his family said.

Adam Pickup became separated from his friends and was last seen on CCTV walking along a city centre street, apparently talking to a man and a woman, at about 3.30am on Saturday.

Police said they had found a body near Deansgate train station at about 3.30pm, and that it was believed to be Adam.

His mother Chantal then posted a message on Facebook to let people know her son was dead, The Manchester Evening News reported.

“We are so sorry to have to tell people this way but we know so many people are waiting for news,” she said.

“It is with the greatest sadness that we have to tell you all that our beloved son Adam was found passed away about an hour ago.

"We are devastated but so grateful to everybody who has helped search for Adam and given us their love and support. Chris, Chantal and Ben x.!

A Facebook page called RIP Adam Pickup was also created with a family photograph that included the teenager.

The page received more than 20,000 likes within about two hours of being set up. There were more than 800 messages of condolence on one post alone.

Two men had been arrested by police but they were later released without charge.

Chief Superintendent Nick Adderley said: "Our initial indication is that that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death, however speculation as to what may have happened will not give the answers Adam's family is looking for.

“We will now carry out a thorough investigation which includes a post-mortem examination.”

He added: “This is a heart-breaking time for Adam's family and our thoughts are with them.”