Police have confirmed a body found this morning is that of missing six-year-old Lucas Dobson.

The body was found in the River Stour by officers at 9.15am and has now been formally identified as the Deal school boy.

Hundreds of people have gathered over the last few days to help find Lucas who fell in to the water at Sandwich on Saturday.

This morning, police cordoned off a section of Richborough Road and a helicopter landed in a nearby field.

Ch Insp Mark Weller said: "It's with a very heavy heart that we found a body this morning in the river within the search area.

"At the moment we are working on the hypothesis that it is Lucas, but we are awaiting on confirmation.

"The family have been informed - that's the very first thing we did - they have been kept informed throughout.

"We are working with them now and a family liaison officer to help them through this incredibly traumatic and difficult time.

"We have had great support from the community in terms of searching and support to officers. The Salvation Army and Red Cross have been absolutely amazing.

"The search and rescue teams and divers have done an absolutely amazing job and I am incredibly grateful.

"Thank you to the public who tipped out on mass and really helped to maximise our chances of finding Lucas at that early stage but unfortunately, it wasn't to be.

"We are looking after our officers as things like this are traumatic, but of course no where near what the family are experiencing right now."

"No matter the expectation, when it's actually confirmed that this is the outcome it comes as a massive, massive shock."

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