Police searching for a teenager missing for more than four months have found human remains.
The 17-year-old, known only as Freddy, was last seen when he left his family home in Stolford, Somerset, on September 20 last year.
A massive search was launched to find him with more than 100 police officers and staff, as well as the coastguard, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and BARB Search and Rescue.
Earlier this week a member of the public found remains on the North Somerset coastline, about a mile from his home.
While formal identification has not yet taken place, detectives believe they are his and have informed his family.
His death is not believed to be suspicious.
Let Insp Claire Millington, of Avon and Somerset Police said: “This is not the news we wanted to deliver to Freddy’s family and our thoughts are very much with them at this difficult time.
“We’d like to thank the public for all their calls and help with our appeals as we continued to hope he would be found safe. We’d also like to thank all our partners for their support in the search.
“While the cause of death is unexplained pending a port-mortem examination, we do not believe it to be suspicious.
“We will continue to provide Freddy’s family with support as we carry out enquiries on behalf of the coroner.”
Tributes were shared to the teenager on social media.
Amanda Cawkwell said: “So hoped this was not going to be the outcome.”
Penni Blythe added: “Just awful, beyond words. Everyone has tried so hard to find him.”
Becky Cawley said: “Such despair and sadness for Freddy’s family.”
Sarah Hunt said: “So so sorry to hear this terrible news.”
Damaris Reading commented: “Absolutely heartbreaking.
