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'We'll meet again in Heaven': Amelia Bambridge's brother pays emotional tribute after body found at sea

'We'll meet again in Heaven': Amelia Bambridge's brother pays emotional tribute after body found at sea

The brother of British backpacker Amelia Bambridge has paid an emotional tribute to his “little sister” after her body was found at sea more than 30 miles from where she disappeared.

Amelia, 21, from Worthing, West Sussex, was last seen on the island of Koh Rong late on October 23.

Cambodian Police confirmed this morning that Amelia’s body was discovered in the Gulf of Thailand, north west of Koh Rong.

Following the announcement that her body had been found at sea, her brother Harry Bambridge confirmed the news on Instagram.

He said: "I've just seen her and I can confirm it's my little sister Amelia.

Undated family handout photo issued by the Lucie Blackman Trust (LBT) of missing British backpacker Amelia Bambridge, 21, from Worthing, West Sussex, who was last seen on the Cambodian island of Koh Rong late on Wednesday night.
Undated family handout photo issued by the Lucie Blackman Trust (LBT) of missing British backpacker Amelia Bambridge, 21, from Worthing, West Sussex, who was last seen on the Cambodian island of Koh Rong late on Wednesday night.

"I'm so sorry to all her friends and family, there's nothing more I wanted then (sic) to bring her back alive and I really f****** tried.

"And I'm sorry to you, Amelia Bambridge, the round is on me when we meet again in heaven."

Amelia was reported missing after she failed to check out of her hotel on time and staff at Police Beach, a private venue on the island, found her purple rucksack with her purse, phone and bank cards inside the following morning.

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It was found near another island, Koh Chhlam, close to Cambodia’s maritime border with Thailand, Major General Chuon Narin said.

Missing persons charity the Lucie Blackman Trust reported the discovery of the body on Thursday morning, describing it as "tragic news".

The charity said on Twitter: "We are aware of the very tragic news from Cambodia.

A police dog team leaves to continue the search for missing British tourist Amelia Bambridge on Koh Rong island in Sihanoukville province on October 31, 2019. - The family of the 21-year-old British tourist who went missing on a Cambodian island a week ago continued a meticulous search around the waters and dense jungle territory. (Photo by TANG CHHIN Sothy / AFP) (Photo by TANG CHHIN SOTHY/AFP via Getty Images)
Police and the military in Cambodia have been searching for Amelia (Picture: TANG CHHIN SOTHY/AFP via Getty Images)

"Amelia Bambridge's body has been found at sea."

Tim Loughton, MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, said: “Devastated to hear the terribly sad news about Amelia Bambridge this morning – the thoughts and prayers of everyone in Worthing are with her family and friends.”

Amelia’s family had flown out to Cambodia to join the search, which involved up to 150 police and military personnel.

It has emerged that the 21-year-old phoned her sister just hours before she went missing and said she was having “the best time ever”.

CCTV showed her on the way to the party.

The Foreign Office said its staff are on the island, are in contact with the Cambodian authorities responsible for carrying out the identification and continue to support Miss Bambridge's family.

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