Police rule out foul play over teen's river death

Police investigating the death of a teenager in a Cheshire river said they have found no suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident.

Jonty Evans, 16, was found dead in the River Weaver in Nantwich in September, after being reported missing. Two teenagers were later arrested on suspicion of assault.

But Cheshire Police said the 16-year-olds were later eliminated from the investigation and detectives were now satisfied there was no foul play surrounding his death.

The force said its thoughts remained with Jonty's family, adding the officers recognised it was, and continued to be, an incredibly difficult time.

Jonty was last seen just before 01:00 BST on 31 August, walking along Waterlode in Nantwich, before crossing the road and entering Mill Island, near the junction of Mill Street.

His body was found in the river near Riverside on 1 September.

Police released CCTV of people in the area at the time that they wished to trace.

Paying tribute to him after his death, Jonty's family said he was "compassionate, sensitive, brave and full of light".

"When he smiled, it was as mountains smile to see the spring," they said.

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