Police looking for a man who went missing following a Christmas party have recovered a body from Roydon Marina.
An Essex Police marine unit attended a call at 10.40am this morning from a member of the public who spotted the body at the marina near Harlow.
Although the deceased has not been formally identified, police said they have halted the search for missing Luton man Edward Gillespie.
The 38-year-old disappeared after attending a Christmas party at the Roydon Marina Hotel on December 21st and was reported missing by his family when he did not return home the following day.
Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Hooper said: "We have suspended our search for Ed and his family have been informed of this discovery.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this very distressing time.
"We would like to place on the record our thanks to everyone who has assisted us in our search for Ed and are sorry that the news we have is so sad."
Mr Gillespie's glasses and car were found near the marina after he went missing. In addition to the marine unit, a police helicopter, search teams and police dogs were used as officers tried to trace him.
A coroner has been informed of the discovery and will work with police to confirm the deceased's identity.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qbHAq6tnm59jwqx7xKyqnrBfo7K4v46lppyZnGSytL%2FEsWSbp5Sueqe71KebZqWZqMCqusZmpJqmXaiyor7CoWY%3D