The body of a man discovered in the search for Richard Okorogheye has been formally identified as that of the missing teen.
Richard went missing from his home in Ladbroke Grove, London on Monday, March 22. He was reported missing on Wednesday, March 24.
On Monday, April 5, at approximately 2.01pm, the Met was informed by colleagues from Essex Police that the body of a man had been found in a lake in Epping Forest.
His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
The 19-year-old man's death is being treated as unexplained and police do not believe, at this stage, that there was any third-party involvement.
A forensic post mortem took place on Wednesday (April 7).
The cause of death is pending whilst further investigations are carried out, however it found no evidence of physical trauma or assault.
In a statement, the Met Police said: "As a matter of routine, as Richard had been reported missing prior to the discovery of his body, a referral has been made to the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) and to the Independent Office for Police Conduct."
Detective Superintendent Danny Gosling, Head of the Met’s Central West Public Protection Unit, said: “My deepest sympathies go out to Richard’s family at this incredibly difficult time. This was not the outcome that any of us had hoped for and we will ensure that his grieving family are well-supported by specially trained officers.
“I would like to extend my thanks to the many officers, staff and members of the public who have each played a part in the extensive effort to locate Richard.”
The investigation into the circumstances of Richard’s death is ongoing.
Specialist search teams remain in parts of Epping Forest, Loughton as they continue to carry out further searches as part of the investigation.
