News 7 April 2021
  views

Police Confirm Body Found In Epping Forest Pond Is That Of Richard Okorogheye

7 April 2021
  views
Share
Share

Police have confirmed that the body found in a pond in Epping Forest is that of missing London student Richard Okorogheye.

A post mortem exam took place today (April 7) and found no evidence of physical trauma or assault.

Richard, a student at Oxford Brookes University, left his family home in Ladbroke Grove, London on the evening of March 22 and was reported missing two days later. It was also revealed the 19-year-old – who has sickle cell disease – did not take his medication or any money when he left home.

Police had extended their search to Essex last week after it emerged Richard took a taxi from west London to Loughton, with CCTV footage showing him walking towards Epping Forest at 00:39 on March 23.

On Monday (April 5), police discovered a body in an Epping Forest pond which has now been confirmed to be Richard Okorogheye.

Detective superintendent Danny Gosling, head of the Met Police’s central west public protection unit said: “My deepest sympathies go out to Richard’s family at this incredibly difficult time.

“This was not the outcome that any of us had hoped for and we will ensure that his grieving family are well-supported by specially trained officers.

“I would like to extend my thanks to the many officers, staff and members of the public who have each played a part in the excessive effort to locate Richard.”

Richard’s death is being treated as “unexplained” and at this stage, officers don’t believe there was any third-party involvement.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Richard.