Police searching for a missing 14-year-old schoolboy have discovered a body in a wooded area near Burslem Cemetery in Stoke-on-Trent, bringing a tragic end to the search.
Discovery of the Body
The body, believed to be that of Tyler Townsend, was found shortly after 7pm on Thursday, 21 May. Tyler had been last seen in the area on Sunday, 17 May, prompting extensive searches by Staffordshire Police since he was reported missing.
A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: "We can sadly confirm that a body has been found in the search for missing 14-year-old Tyler, from Stoke-on-Trent. He was last seen in the area on Sunday (17 May). Officers have been carrying out extensive searches to try to find him since he was reported missing. Shortly after 7pm today (Thursday 21 May), a body was found in a wooded area near Burslem Cemetery."
Formal Identification Pending
Formal identification will take place in due course, but police believe the body to be that of the missing boy. Officers are supporting Tyler's family during this deeply distressing time. The death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be prepared for HM Coroner.
StokeonTrentLive has contacted West Midlands Ambulance Service for comment following the heartbreaking incident. The community has been left in shock as the search for the teenager has ended in tragedy.
