Body found in search for missing university student, 21, who vanished walking home from pub

Sebastian Sailes was reported missing in February after walking home from a pub in Chippenham

Police have recovered a body in the search for a missing university student who disappeared while walking home from a pub in Chippenham.

Sebastian Sailes, 21, was last seen leaving the Black Horse Pub at about 11.30pm on 27 February, and was captured on CCTV walking in the direction of Lovers Walk.

He is thought to have headed south along Avon Valley Walk, with search and rescue services concentrating their efforts on a section of the River Avon.

Concerns were raised after he failed to arrive at his home address in Notton, Wakefield.

Volunteers searched for Sebastian Sailes after he failed to return home (Wiltshire Search and Rescue)

Wiltshire Police said officers, volunteers from Wiltshire Search and Rescue, Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire, specialist support teams from other forces, local businesses and support charities had been working "tirelessly" to find him.

In a previous appeal, he was described as a “much-loved son” who was “very close” to his family.

While formal identification is yet to take place, his family have been informed.

Wiltshire Police superintendent James Brain said: “This development will, of course, be devastating for Sebastian’s family.

“I would like to offer my sincere condolences, and I know that everyone involved in supporting this operation will also be thinking of Sebastian’s family.

“We will continue to offer our support over the coming days.

“I would ask that their privacy is respected.”