THE BODY of a man who went missing from Shiplake has been recovered from the River Thames.

Frederick Lawson, 82, was reported missing from his home on April 4 amid fears that he had fallen into the swollen river.

Following exhaustive searches by firefighters, the Environment Agency and Oxfordshire Lowland Rescue and Recovery, Mr Lawson's body was discovered on Friday, April 20.

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police confirmed that the death was unexplained.

They said: "The force received a call from a member of the public at about 10.40am today [Friday] after they discovered the body of a man in the River Thames.

"The man is believed to be Frederick Lawson, who was reported missing earlier this month, although formal identification is yet to take place.
"Mr Lawson’s family has been informed. Our thoughts remain with them at this extremely difficult time."

Mr Lawson's funeral is due to take place at St Peter and St Paul's Church, in Shiplake, on Friday, May 4. A collection for the Oxfordshire Lowland Rescue and Recovery will be held in memory of Mr Lawson.