Two men found dead in river
Updated on 03 January 2009
The bodies of two men who went missing four days ago have been found in a river, police have said.
Friends Andrew Smith and Paul Smith, who are not related, were last seen on December 30 in the centre of Leominster, Herefordshire, and were reported missing the following day.
West Mercia Constabulary said two bodies recovered from the River Lugg in the town had been formally identified as those of the missing men.
Officers had expressed concerns for the safety of Andrew Smith, 40, and his friend, who was aged 43.
The friends' bodies were recovered from the river with the assistance of the Severn Area Rescue Association, which had been helping with the search for the men.
They had not been seen since about 7.15pm on December 30, prompting a search operation which also involved dog-handlers.
Detective Inspector Alan Mardell, who is leading the investigation, said: "At this time, the deaths of Andrew Smith and Paul Smith are being treated as unexplained.
"Post-mortems are expected to take place on Monday to determine the cause of death for both men and the coroner has been informed."
DI Mardell said he still wanted to hear from anyone who may have seen the men since the last known sighting on Tuesday, as officers try to piece together their last movements.
"I would urge anyone who has seen either Andrew or Paul Smith since Tuesday or who has any information to call West Mercia Constabulary on 0300 333 3000," the officer added.
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