Jonty Evans, 16, was last seen between 10.45pm and 11.15pm on Friday

A body has been recovered from a river by officers who were searching for a missing Cheshire teenager. Jonty Evans, 16, from Baddington, near Nantwich, was reported missing on Friday, August 30.

The teen was last spotted between 10.45pm and 11.15pm on Queens Drive, in Nantwich. A significant search operation was launched over the weekend to locate Jonty. This included the use of drones and teams on the water and around the river, with thermal imaging deployed. Officers were seen in the Mill Island area.

Inspector Ashy Sayer, of Congleton Local Policing Unit, said at the time officers were “growing increasingly concerned for Jonty’s welfare” as public appeals for assistance in locating him were issued by Cheshire Police. The River Weaver was scoured by underwater search teams as part of their efforts, reports the Manchester Evening News.

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A body was retrieved from the river in Nantwich on Sunday evening. Although formal identification is still pending, it is believed to be Jonty, and his family have been notified.

Cheshire Police confirmed the news on Monday. A spokesperson for the force said: “At around 5.13pm on Sunday, September 1, police searching the River Weaver near Riverside, Nantwich, as part of enquiries into the report of a missing teenager, sadly found a body.”

“While formal ID has not yet taken place, it is believed to be that of the 16-year-old boy who has been missing since August 30 from the Nantwich area. Next of kin have been informed.”