The community has expressed sadness after the body of a missing university student is believed to have been found near a river in Oxford.

The body was recovered from a body of water on Tuesday (December 3) by police, with support from Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire, near Osney Mead.

Formal identification is yet to be conducted, but police believe it to be missing person Fintan, aged 18, who was reported missing in Oxford on Wednesday, November 27.

This came after a number of towpaths in the area were flooded and closed last week following heavy rainfall from Storm Bert.

The University of Reading student's family have been informed and are being supported by officers.

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

The search and rescue team joined police at the weekend in the search for the missing student. He was last seen at around 3.30am on Wednesday, November 27 on Whitehouse Road, Oxford.

This was after police, who said they were growing "increasingly concerned" about Fintan's welfare, released CCTV of him in an urgent appeal to find him.

Detective inspector George Atkinson, based at Oxford Police Station, said on Tuesday: “Sadly, we discovered the body of a man in the water near Osney Mead this morning.

“Our thoughts remain with Fintan’s family at this difficult time.

“We would like to thank Lowland Rescue Oxfordshire for their support and assistance, as well as members of the public who shared our appeal and helped us in our search.”

The Oxford Mail opened a Book of Condolence following the news.

Debbie Rudman wrote: "Oh Fintan, you were such an intelligent, friendly adventurous young man with so much potential to do amazing things in the future.

"Life can be so cruel. Rest in perfect peace. My heart goes out to your devastated family."

The Oxford community also paid tribute to the student on social media. 

Susi Trinder wrote: "So sad, another young life ended too soon. Thoughts are with his family and friends rest in peace."

Delvise Saunders added: "Very sad, thoughts are with his family and friends at this time."

Nay AJ said: "So sad, rest in peace young man. Condolences to his family and friends. Way too young to go."

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Sophie Lester wrote: "So sorry to read this… what a shame all these young adults/children being found, rest in peace."

A number of bodies have been found in the River Thames in Oxford this year.

In April, 77-year-old Martin Shepherd was found in the same stretch of water in Longbridges Nature Park after being reported missing for two weeks.

On the same day the body believed to be Fintan was found, an inquest opened at Oxford Coroner's Court into the death of a man who was found in the River Thames just last month.

Edward Tallon, 65, was found in the River Thames near Cowley on November 9.

His cause of death remains under investigation.  

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