A body has been found by police searching for a missing teenager.
Ahmed Mukhtar was reported missing last weekend having last been seen near the Centre of Life in Newcastle, at about 2.40am on Friday.
Once an investigation was launched officers said they were keen to trace three witnesses in a bid to try and locate him, Chronicle Live reports.
On Saturday police officers found a body, which they believe is the 17-year-old's.
Formal identification is yet to take place however.
Det Chief Insp Angela Hufton, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is an extremely tragic outcome and our thoughts are with Ahmed’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
“I'd like to thank everyone who helped us in our search, shared our appeal and came forward with information to assist with the investigation."
Business student Ahmed finished his shift at the Newcastle chip shop where he worked during the early hours of Friday morning.
His family said he travelled back to his home, in Benwell, after work and left food from the takeaway on the doorstep, before disappearing.
His family had no idea he had not come home until they found the food the following morning.
At first they thought Ahmed had stayed at his girlfriend's house.
When they called several of his close friends who could not locate him the family reported Ahmed missing.
Police searching for the 17-year-old believe he travelled back to the city centre by taxi from his home.
It is not thought there was any third party involvement with the death, police have said.
Ahmed's family have been notified and are being supported by specialist officers.
Once formal identification has been completed a report will be prepared for the coroner.
