Two teenagers charged with affray following the death of Luke Jobson in Yarm

A major operation to find Luke, which involved dozens of volunteers, was launched in Yarm, Teesside, after he disappeared in the early hours of Saturday January 26.

His body was found two days later in the River Tees following extensive searches by the police and members of the family.

A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: “In January 2019, police received a report of missing 22-year-old Luke Jobson, whose body was sadly later found in the River Tees. As part of the missing person investigation, police received an allegation that Luke Jobson was said to have been subjected to an assault, that was said to have occurred on the outskirts of Yarm High Street in the early hours of Saturday January 26.

“A 17-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man have now been charged with affray and they are due to appear in court in early January 2020. Three other males, one aged 17 and two aged 19, who were previously arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the incident, now remain under investigation on suspicion of affray.”

Following his death, members of the public gathered alongside Mr Jobson’s family, who hosted the tribute as a celebration of his life.

At the riverside, pieces of red ribbon and red balloons, with personal messages were left as a reminder of the region’s huge support.

More than 200 individual pieces of ribbon had been tied to the railings of Yarm Wharf, whilst hundreds more were tied to railings and lamppost’s near Sainsbury’s car park, as space by the riverside dwindled.

A floral tribute, decorated with candles and pictures of Mr Jobson, had been carefully put together.

• The teenagers are due to appear in court in January