Body found in search for missing student Victor Ivanelo

A body found underneath a railway arch in south-west London is thought to be that of a university student who disappeared more than a month ago.

British Transport Police were called to an archway near Surbiton railway station onn Tuesday to reports that a body had been discovered at 1.30pm.

Formal identification has not yet taken place but police believe the body to be that of missing Victor Ivanelo. The death is being treated as unexplained.

The University of Surrey student’s phone and bag were found discarded on a bridleway on February 27 - the day after he went missing.

He was last seen leaving a friend’s house in Esher, Surrey, at about 2am on Sunday, February 26.

Just hours before he was last seen, CCTV footage shows the 21-year-old Russian student travelling from Clapham Junction to Claygate railway station in Elmbridge at about 3.40pm.

After police launched a major operation to find him, officers said there was “not a single sighting” of the student since he mysteriously disappeared.

Mr Ivanelo’s family hired a private investigator to help with the search as they became increasingly worried.

During the search, a senior police officer said it was “completely out of character” for Mr Ivanelo to have been out of touch with his family for so long.

Professor Jane Powell, vice-provost education and students at the University of Surrey, said she is “greatly saddened” by the discovery.

She said: "Students are the very heart of our University. We’re greatly saddened by the discovery of a body believed to be that of Victor Ivanelo.

"The University will be liaising with Victor’s family to do all we can to support them at this distressing time."

In statement, Surrey Police said: “A body has been found in the search for missing 21-year-old Victor Ivanelo.

“Victor was reported missing on Sunday, February 26, 2017 when he left a friend’s house in Esher.

“British Transport Police were called to a railway arch near Surbiton station at 1.30pm on Tuesday, March 28 following reports that a body had been discovered.

“A cordon is currently in place while police examine the scene.”