Tributes have been paid to a 17-year-old boy whose body was found more than four months after he went missing. Police carried out widespread searches for 'loving' teen Freddy who disappeared after leaving his family farm in September last year.
But his family have now been told a member of the public found human remains between Steart Marshes and Stolford near Bridgwater on Monday. Avon and Somerset Police said formal identification has yet to take place, but detectives searching for Freddy believe they are his.
His death is being treated as unexplained but is not thought to be suspicious. Freddy was last seen at his home in Stolford, Somerset, on 20 September.
Specialist search officers and police dogs were pictured carrying out searches and several images of Freddy were released in the hope they can get him home safely. More than 100 police officers and staff were involved in the hunt that included the helicopter, drone unit and specialist search dogs.
They were supported by HM Coastguard, RNLI and search and rescue teams based in Burnham-on-Sea. Det Insp Claire Millington 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."
She added: "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."
Since the discovery, tributes have been pouring in to Freddy. One said: "Freddy was such a bright, intelligent, talented, lovely, thoughtful young man. My heart goes to all his family and friends at this time of deep loss and heartbreaking grief. RIP Freddy taken far too soon. Fly high you beautiful angel."
Another said: "We still have his poster in the car and was so hoping he would still turn up. Heartbreaking."
Freddy left without his phone and cops said the hunt was hampered by very little CCTV in the area. In an earlier plea, Freddy's family said: "At 10am on Tuesday 20 September our son Freddy left our farm in Stolford, Somerset and has not returned home.
“We have been overwhelmed by the support of our family, friends, neighbours, and people who until this happened, we had never met. We would like to say to you all – thank you.
“Thank you for the valuable time you have given us, your support and your kindness. Police, coastguard and search and rescue have been and continue to search extensively, but so far, despite all our best efforts, Freddy has still not been found.
“Those who know Freddy speak so well of him and say what a likeable, lovely and insightful lad he is. We just wish that Freddy could hear these kind words too."
