A body has been found in the search for a missing man who was seen entering the River Taff. Joshua Shaw, 23, had been reported missing after entering the water at Pontypridd just after 6pm on Wednesday, December 27. His mother had said he was being “chased” by police when he entered the river.
After over a week of searching – including a huge effort organised by members of the public – on January 4 police confirmed that a body had been found. South Wales Police said that the body was found in the Gwaelod y Garth area close to the river Taff following a reduction in the river levels.
Searches were conducted by South Wales Police along with the National Police Air Service (NPAS), HM Coastguard and South Wales Fire and Rescue Service. To get more daily news from WalesOnline, subscribe to the WalesOnline newsletter today.
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Joshua’s mother Leanne previously criticised the police’s search and said she felt unsupported by the force. She said that she was told by officers that they had been in contact with Joshua on the evening he disappeared, with the force confirming officers witnessed the 23-year-old entering the water.
She said that after a week of searching, with the river level so high due to Storms Gerrit and Henk, that the family were expecting the worst. “We want to find him for closure now. We have basically accepted that he is still in there and he isn’t coming back. We just want to find him for closure now basically,” she said.
The body found has yet to formally be identified as Joshua, but South Wales Police say his family have been informed. A spokesperson for the force said: “The body of a man has been located in the Gwaelod y Garth area close to the river Taff following a reduction in the river levels.
“While formal identification has yet to take place, the family of Joshua Shaw who was reported missing on Wednesday 27 December are aware of the development. Specialist officers and services have been deployed to the area.
“HM Coroner has been informed and a coronial investigation will now take place into the circumstances of his death. Our thoughts are with the next of kin at this difficult time.”
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
