Police suspend search for missing Martyn Richardson after man's body found in waterway

Police have suspended the search for a man missing for several months after a body was found in a waterway near Braintree. Officers have been searching for Martyn Richardson, 27, since August after he was reported missing.

Martyn, from the Bocking area of Braintree, was last seen at around 8.30pm on August 24 after a family birthday party but was reported missing when he hadn’t returned home the following day. Officers from Essex Police carried out a widespread search of Bocking, surrounding areas and the River Blackwater in the hope of finding Martyn.

Essex Police confirmed on Saturday (November 16) they were suspending their search after a man's body was found in a waterway in Bocking. Formal identification has yet to take place but Mr Richardson's family have been informed and are being supported.

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A spokesperson for Essex Police added: "Our enquiries are ongoing and we would urge against speculation at this difficult time."

Essex Police officers were supported by staff from Braintree District Council as part of the search. His bike was found on August 27 just days after his last sighting in fields close to the River Blackwater. A fundraiser set up to help with the search raised almost £3,000.