Harvey Parker: Detectives investigating missing student alerted as body found in River Thames

Police have recovered the body of a man from the River Thames, near where missing student Harvey Parker was last seen.

Detectives investigating the missing 20-year-old have informed his family of the development.

Scotland Yard were alerted by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) at 11.51pm on Tuesday, to reports of a body found in the Thames near Embankment, Westminster.

Officers from the Met’s Marine Support Unit recovered the body.

The death is being treated as unexplained.

Although formal identification awaits, detectives involved in the search for the missing music student have been alerted.

Family liaison officers have informed Mr Parker’s family of developments.

A report will be compiled for the Coroner.

Harvey was last seen leaving Heaven Nightclub alone, by Charing Cross Railway Station in Westminster at around 2.15am on Friday, December 17.

Det Ch Insp Lucy O’Connor, of the central south command unit, said: “Sadly a body has been recovered from the Thames near where Harvey was last seen.

“We are providing Harvey’s family with all the available information.

“We are also asking for the media to please respect the family’s privacy at this challenging and difficult time.”

Harvey’s family released a statement on social media saying that he was a “blazing, glorious person that we were lucky to have in our lives”.

It read: “We are so very sad to report that police have recovered a body from the Thames near where our beautiful Harvey was last seen.

“Formal identification is underway.

“Our deepest thanks to all of you who searched with us, posted, shared and supported us and the Met Police in finding Harvey.

“Your love and support ensure that so many people knew something of the blazing, glorious person that we were lucky to have in our lives.

“So many people have asked what they can do to help, and your asking is a testament to the number of lives Harvey touched.

“Harvey’s friends have created a Just Giving Page to support the work of the communities he was part of.

“Money raised will go to young queer support groups, neurodiverse and gender diverse young people who’d benefit from emotional or mental health support and to help support talented musicians from under-represented communities.

“We want to ensure that others like Harvey are able to shine as brightly.

“Our heartfelt thanks for your care and support, and for respecting our privacy at this time.

“Amanda, Mike and Titus.”

The Just Giving fundraiser, set up by Harvey’s friends, has already raised more than £20,000.