A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a body was found in a marina.
Drew Perham, 24 – described by family as “beautiful and wonderful” - had been reported missing after he failed to return home from a night out in Plymouth on Friday.
No formal identification has been made but relatives of Drew have been informed, Devon and Cornwall Police said.
The body was found near Millbay Marina on Sunday afternoon during a search of the area.
Drew’s family is being supported by specialist officers, the force said as a 19-year-old man remains in police custody.
In a statement his loved ones said on Facebook: “We have unfortunately received the most horrendous news, our beautiful and wonderful Drew Perham has cruelly been taken from us.
“We appreciate all the support and messages, but right now we need the time to navigate this together.”
Defence minister Luke Pollard, the Plymouth Sutton and Devonport MP, said: “This is so awful. So young.
“Thinking of Drew’s friends and family.”
Detective Superintendent James Dowler said the investigation had been “fast paced” and a “significant” policing presence will remain in the Millbay area in the coming days.
This is so awful. So young. Thinking of Drew’s friends and family. https://t.co/aaBhhKgDKr
— Luke Pollard MP (@LukePollard) January 25, 2026
He added: “Formal identification is yet to take place, however, all of our thoughts are with Drew’s family and friends at this unbelievably difficult time.
“I would like to ask people to avoid speculating about this case – we are in the early stages of our investigation to establish the full circumstances and online speculation in particular is not helpful.
“Anyone who has information which may assist the police investigation is asked to please get in touch and report it.
“We are particularly interested in people who may have been in the Millbay area between 1am and 4am during the early hours of Saturday, January 24.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police by calling 101 or via the website, quoting reference 50260019981, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 55511.
