A body has been recovered from coastal waters near Newport during the search for an 18-year-old man who disappeared more than 10 days ago.

George, who was from Portishead in Somerset, was last seen in the coastal town at around 8.20pm on Thursday, September 17.

His disappearance prompted a major search operation involving police, coastguard teams, the RNLI and other emergency services as concerns grew for his safety.

Body recovered near Newport

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that a body was recovered from a coastal location near Newport on Sunday morning.

According to the force, the clothing found on the body matched what George had been wearing when he was last seen.

A formal identification process will now take place.

George’s family has been informed of the development and is being supported by a specially trained officer.

Police said the death is not currently being treated as suspicious.

The matter will now be referred to the coroner.

Search continued for more than 10 days

Since George disappeared, emergency crews and members of the public had been involved in efforts to establish where he had gone.

Police repeatedly appealed for information as the search focused on the coastline and surrounding areas.

The latest discovery brings a major development to the search, although formal identification has yet to be completed.

Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Andy Barry previously praised George’s family for their strength during the difficult search.

“I would like to recognise the strength and resilience of George’s family during this time and we continue to keep them updated through a specialist liaison officer,” he said.

The force also said George’s family had been deeply touched by the support they received from the community during the search.

Police have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the recovery of the body while the identification and coroner’s processes continue.