Body of man found in River Orwell formally identified

Police have confirmed the identity following a search and recovery operation near Stoke Bridge in Ipswich on Monday, October 12.

A spokesman for Suffolk police said: "A post-mortem examination has now been completed.

"However, a definitive cause of death cannot be established without further examination.

"There is no visible evidence of any significant injury or evidence at this time to suggest any third-party involvement."

A large emergency response was launched after the man was reported missing in the early hours of the morning.

The East of England Ambulance Service, the Coastguard, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, and forensic teams all attended the scene.

A member of the public entered the water in an attempt to help.

At the time, a police spokesman confirmed that the person had exited the water of their own accord after being unable to find the man they were searching for.

A tent was put up on the river bank following the discovery of a body (Image: Tom Cann)

A police cordon was set up at the beginning of River Walk, with an officer stationed at the scene to manage access for paramedics and forensic officers.

The Coastguard put a second cordon in place to prevent people from crossing Stoke Bridge during the search.

The man's body was removed from the scene at around 3pm.

Police are working with the Suffolk Coroner's Service to establish how he entered the water.

The spokesman said: "Our thoughts remain with the man's family and all those affected by these tragic circumstances."

Councillors paid tribute last week.

Alexandra ward councillor Adam Rae said: “My thoughts go out to anyone who is related to or knows the victim.”

Bridge ward councillor Phil Smart said: “These situations are thankfully rare, but our thoughts are with those close to the deceased.”