Tributes have been paid as police suspect the body of a man who fell into the river near Osney Mead over two weeks ago has been recovered.

Thames Valley Police received reports of a body being found in the water in Longbridges Nature Park at around 7.45pm on Wednesday. 

The force confirmed yesterday afternoon that a man in his 70s was located in the water by members of the public and recovered a short time later. 

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The man's death is being treated as unexplained, but not suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.

Oxford Mail: Longbridges Nature Park Longbridges Nature Park (Image: Newsquest)The man’s next of kin have been informed and they are being offered support by officers.

It comes after a major river search began after multiple reports that a man fell into the river on East Street near Osney Mead earlier this month (Tuesday, April 9).

At the time, Thames Valley Police said the man was in his 60s. 

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Emergency services all raced to Osney, near Botley Road, at about 1.20pm that day.

Shortly after the search, Thames Valley Police received reports of a missing person who matched the description of the man seen to enter the water.

And now, more than two weeks later, police officers, with support from Oxfordshire Search and Rescue, recovered the man’s body from the water at the nature park near Donnington Bridge Road.

Thames Valley Police has since stated it will not be releasing any information about the man’s identity at this time and that it will be a matter for the Oxfordshire coroner to confirm.

Oxford Mail: Police at the scene on Wednesday night Police at the scene on Wednesday night (Image: Contributed)

But Thames Valley Police has now removed the missing person appeal for the April 9 incident.

Detective Inspector Krista Thompson of Oxford Criminal Investigation Department (CID) said: “Sadly, we discovered the body of a man in Longbridges Nature Park.

“Our thoughts remain with his family at this incredibly difficult time.

“I would like to thank our colleagues at Oxfordshire Search and Rescue for their assistance with recovery, as well as the members of the public who found him.”

Tributes have been paid, with one man, who has asked to be anonymous, telling the Oxford Mail: “What can I say to you really? It’s tragic. Rest in peace.’’

Another anonymous person said: “Extremely sad. Given a man went into the water at Botley a short time ago, it’s not inconceivable that it’s him.”

The scene where the body was discovered was quiet on Thursday afternoon with a few people walking in the area but no presence of emergency services.