The body of 19-year-old student Tom Dingle from Appley Bridge has been discovered in woodland off Lees Lane in Dalton, Lancashire, two weeks after he vanished while walking to a pub, with police confirming the death is not being treated as suspicious.
On Christmas Day at 3:12pm, a member of the public found the body of a man in woodland off Lees Lane in Dalton, Lancashire, which police believe to be that of missing 19-year-old Tom Dingle from Appley Bridge, who was last seen on CCTV heading towards the Boathouse pub in the early hours of 13 December.
Tragic Discovery on Christmas Day
According to UKNIP, heartbreaking news emerged from Lancashire when the body of missing student Tom Dingle was found in woodland off Lees Lane in Dalton. A member of the public alerted police at 3:12pm on Christmas Day after discovering a man deceased in the area. Lancashire Constabulary issued a statement confirming the tragic update in their search for Tom, stating that although no formal identification has taken place, they believe it to be the body of the 19-year-old, with his family informed and supported by specially trained officers.
As reported by UKNIP, Lancashire Constabulary said: “We have a tragic update to give you in our search for missing student Tom Dingle.” The force added: “Our thoughts are very much with them at this extremely distressing time. We would ask that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with this devastating news.”
Police Investigation and Family Support
Lancashire Constabulary has confirmed that Tom Dingle’s death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be passed to HM Coroner in due course. According to UKNIP, the police stated: “This is not the outcome anybody wanted.” Officers have thanked the community for their support in sharing appeals and assisting with the search efforts. Tom’s family continues to receive support from specially trained officers during this distressing period.
Details of Last Known Sighting
Tom Dingle, 19, from Appley Bridge in Lancashire, was last captured on CCTV footage on Mill Lane in the village, heading towards the Boathouse pub in the early hours of 13 December, as reported by AOL. This sighting marked the last confirmed trace of the student before his disappearance, prompting extensive searches across the local area.
Community Response and Search Efforts
UKNIP reports that officers expressed appreciation for the community support, noting that everyone who shared appeals and helped with the search contributed significantly. The police emphasised the role of public assistance in the operation to locate Tom Dingle. Deepest condolences have been extended to his family and friends amid the terrible time they are enduring. No further details on specific search operations or community gatherings have been disclosed by the sources.
Lancashire Constabulary will pass a file to HM Coroner following the non-suspicious death of 19-year-old Tom Dingle, whose body was found in Dalton woodland on Christmas Day, two weeks after he was last seen walking towards the Boathouse pub in Appley Bridge.
