Police appeal to find family of asylum seeker found dead in River Thames

The Met have launched a desperate appeal to find the family of an asylum seeker who was found dead in the River Thames as Wapping.

Officers said Moustafa Ragouni, a Moroccan national, was found dead in the waters on October 14 and it is believed the 27-year-old has no family in the UK.

Detective Constable Gavin Markey said "all other avenues have been exhausted" in trying ro find Mr Ragouni's family, and that police were releasing an image of him as a "last resort".

On October 13, police were alerted to a man seen entering water at Luralda Wharf, Isle of Dogs.

After searching the area, police found no trace. The next day, a body was recovered in Wapping and, according to officers "it transpired that he was the same male seen entering the water the previous day".

The man was later identified as Mr Ragouni, who police said entered the UK last August to claim asylum.

He had lived in Coventry, Glasgow and Bedfordshire.

DC Markey, of the Central East Command Unit, said: “We have carried out a number of enquiries with various agencies including the Home Office and the Moroccan Consulate but unfortunately we have not been able to trace any of Moustafa’s relatives.

“Issuing his image to the media and public is the last resort in our enquiries as all other avenues have been exhausted. Any next of kin he has deserve to know what has happened to him.”

Anyone who recognises Moustafa and may have information that could help police inform his family are asked to call 101 quoting CAD 2765/10 Oct.

Alternatively tweet @MetCC.