Harvey Parker: Body found in River Thames confirmed as missing student

Police will compile report for coroner after search for 20-year-old musician called off

Officers from the Met’s Marine Support Unit recovered Mr Parker’s body on Tuesday

(PA)

A body pulled from the River Thames in London has been identified as missing student Harvey Parker, police have confirmed.

The 20-year-old was last seen on 17 December after leaving a nightclub in the capital. The Metropolitan Police said his death was being treated as unexplained.

Mr Parker’s disappearance sparked a major search and his mother, Amanda Parker, said it was unheard of for him not to answer his phone.

Officers from the Met’s Marine Support Unit recovered his body on Tuesday morning after the RNLI alerted them.

The force said Inner West London Coroner's Court had confirmed his identity on Thursday and Mr Parker’s family had been informed. Officers are to compile a report for the coroner.

The music student at the University of York was last seen leaving Heaven nightclub near Charing Cross station in Westminster.

Mr Parker, who had high-functioning autism, was a talented musician whose first instrument was the flute but who also played the oboe, piano and organ.

His mother described him as “very musically accomplished and very academically gifted and really confident”.

She added: “Harvey’s a phenomenal musician. Harvey is very engaging, has lots of friends and is quirky.

“At the same time Harvey’s very vulnerable and can misread a situation and get overwhelmed.”

Detective Chief Inspector Lucy O’Connor, of the Central South Command Unit, said: “We are providing Harvey’s family with all the available information.

“We are also asking for media to please respect the family’s privacy at this challenging and difficult time.”