Body identified after six-year search

The body of a man found in a clay pit in Cornwall has been identified as that of man missing since 2007.

Mr Nicolas Prouse was reported missing from his home in St Dennis, Cornwall, on 30 November 2007.  An extensive missing person enquiry was undertaken at the time but he was never located. No reason for his disappearance was ever established.

A member of the public contacted the police on 13 April 2014 after seeing the body of a man below the water line at Trelavour Pit in St Dennis.

The death has been treated as unexplained while police enquiries continue.

Although police kept an open mind, one line of investigation was to establish any links to missing man Nicholas Prouse.

Detective Sergeant Steve Reid, from St Austell CID, said: “Our thoughts are with the family at this time as this brings to an end many years of uncertainty with regards the whereabouts of Mr Prouse.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious and police will work with the coroner’s office to establish the facts surrounding his death.”