Police have confirmed a body they found in the River Tees on Monday (March 11) is that of missing 18-year-old Lewis Penfold-Roche.

Officers were called out to the river near the Tees Barrage on Monday afternoon after reports a body had been found.

They previously said a man’s body had been retrieved from the water and that Lewis’ family had been informed.

Detectives have now confirmed the body has been formally identified as Lewis.

The Billingham teen was last seen on January 28 and police and marine units were seen searching near Billingham Beck Valley Country Park and Charlton’s Pond.

His death is not being treated as suspicious.


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Cleveland Police said in a statement: “Police can now confirm that the body of a man found in the River Tees on Monday 11th March is that of 18-year-old Lewis Penfold-Roche, from Billingham.

“Our thoughts remain with Lewis’ family and friends at this extremely difficult time.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious and a referral has been made to the Coroner.”