A body has been recovered from the River Thames in the desperate search for missing kickbox instructor Paul Conte who went missing after a house party.
The 21-year-old texted his girlfriend to say he would be walking back to Putney from Barnes around 12.40am on Sunday, a journey which should have taken no longer than an hour.
After a huge search was sparked when he didn’t return, police were called to reports of a body seen in the River Thames at Putney Bridge at 7am on Wednesday.
The Met’s Marine Policing Unit arrived and recovered the body of a man from the water.
Although formal identification awaits, police believe the body is Paul Conte.
The death is currently being treated as unexplained.
His next of kin has been notified and are being supported by specialist officers.
Scotland Yard said he was captured on CCTV in Galata Road and Parke Road in the early hours.
His sister, Leanne Conte, 31, told MyLondon before the body was discovered: “Paul is funny, opinionated, and the most loyal person ever.
“If you are lucky enough to be considered his friend or family he will be there for you always. He is my baby brother and we just want him found.”
Mr Conte was last seen in Barnes around 12.40am on Sunday, August 15.
