Police have discovered a body during the search for a teenage student who went missing after being seen walking alone late at night. Tom Dingle, a 19-year-old from Wigan, was sadly found on Christmas Day, nearly two weeks after he vanished. The student from Lancaster University disappeared in the early hours of December 13 and was last observed on CCTV footage in Appley Bridge, West Lancashire. Lancashire Police shared a heartbreaking update today, revealing that a body believed to be Tom’s was found in woodland by a member of the public who was out walking on Christmas Day.
Tom’s family has been notified, and authorities have stated that his death is not considered suspicious. A police spokesperson mentioned, “We have a tragic update in our search for missing student Tom Dingle. At 3.12 pm on Christmas Day, we were alerted by a member of the public who discovered a deceased individual in woodland off Lees Lane in Dalton. Although formal identification is pending, we believe it to be the body of 19-year-old Tom. Tom’s family has been informed and is receiving support from trained officers. Our thoughts are with them during this incredibly distressing period. We kindly ask for their privacy to be respected as they cope with this devastating news.”
The statement continued, “Tom’s death is not being treated as suspicious, and a report will be forwarded to HM Coroner in due course. This is not the outcome anyone hoped for. We want to express our gratitude to everyone who assisted in sharing our requests for information.”
Previously, Tom’s university had issued an appeal for information regarding the missing student, stating, “The University is deeply concerned about our student, Tom Dingle, who is currently missing, and urges anyone with relevant information to assist the police.” The university expressed support for Tom, his family, and friends and urged individuals with information to contact the authorities to aid in his safe return.