Home » Body Found in West Berkshire River Believed to Be Missing North Sydmonton Man Dean Hill

Body Found in West Berkshire River Believed to Be Missing North Sydmonton Man Dean Hill

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A body discovered in a river near Hambridge Road in West Berkshire is believed to be that of Dean Hill, 34, who vanished from North Sydmonton nearly two years ago, police confirmed yesterday.

Thames Valley Police recovered the body from the water on Wednesday following calls from a member of the public, ending an extensive search operation that began when Mr Hill disappeared on 11 November 2023.

The discovery comes after Mr Hill was last seen at The Starting Gate pub in Speen at approximately 9pm on that Saturday evening, wearing a blue hoodie and jeans.

Police Treating Death as Unexplained

Detective Inspector Stuart Streeter said the force had informed Mr Hill’s family of the discovery, whilst formal identification procedures remain ongoing.

“Sadly following calls from a member of the public, officers have recovered a body from the water, which we believe is missing man Dean,” Detective Inspector Streeter said. “Our thoughts remain with the family of Mr Hill, who have been informed of the discovery.”

Police confirmed they are treating the death as unexplained and have notified the coroner, who will prepare a file for an inquest.

The body was pulled from the river near the Hambridge area of West Berkshire, approximately four miles from where Mr Hill was last seen at the Newbury pub.

Extensive Search Operation Lasted Nearly 20 Months

Mr Hill’s disappearance sparked one of the area’s most extensive missing person searches, involving Thames Valley Police officers and specialist volunteers from Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue (BLSAR).

The 34-year-old from North Sydmonton, located four miles south of Newbury, had links to Hampshire, Berkshire, Birmingham and the Isle of Man.

Police described him as white, 5ft 7ins to 5ft 8ins tall with a slim to average build and dark blonde hair. He had distinctive tattoos including a patterned black sleeve tattoo on his right arm, a large rose tattoo on his chest, and the word ‘HONEY’ on his right hand.

CCTV enquiries revealed Mr Hill had walked from The Starting Gate pub to Northcroft Leisure Centre after leaving the establishment, with police believing he may have been attempting to walk home to North Sydmonton.

Search Efforts Extended Across Multiple Areas

Throughout the investigation, search teams combed numerous locations including Greenham Common, where officers and BLSAR volunteers conducted extensive ground searches in December 2023.

Superintendent Helen Kenny, based at Newbury police station, had expressed growing concern for Mr Hill’s welfare during the search, particularly as winter conditions set in.

“We are growing more and more concerned for Dean’s welfare,” Superintendent Kenny said at the time, urging residents to check dashcam footage and CCTV from the night of his disappearance.

Police had specifically requested footage from anyone in the areas of Western Avenue, Bath Road, Northcroft Lane, Newtown Road, the A339, or the roundabouts near Tesco and Newbury College around 9:30pm on 11 November 2023.

Community Response and Missing Person Appeal

The disappearance prompted widespread community support, with Thames Valley Police thanking members of the public who shared appeals and provided information throughout the investigation.

Missing People, the UK charity supporting those affected by disappearances, had featured Mr Hill’s case on their website, offering support services to his family and friends during the search.

Staff Investigator Ruby Redford from Thames Valley Police’s missing investigation support team had renewed appeals on the first anniversary of his disappearance last November, stating it was “never too late to come forward with information.”

The case highlighted the collaborative efforts between police forces, with both Thames Valley Police and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary working together due to Mr Hill’s connections to both counties.

Berkshire Lowland Search and Rescue’s Vital Role

BLSAR, a registered charity staffed entirely by volunteers, played a crucial role in the search operations as the primary search resource for Thames Valley Police in Berkshire.

The specialist team, which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, provides highly trained volunteers equipped with specialist skills and equipment to search for high-risk vulnerable missing persons.

As a Category 1 Responder Support Organisation under the 2004 Civil Contingencies Act, BLSAR forms part of United Kingdom Search and Rescue (UKSAR) and regularly assists in missing person cases across the region.

The organisation, based at Easthampstead Park Conference Centre in Wokingham, relies entirely on fundraising efforts, community events, and donations to maintain its life-saving operations.

Investigation Continues

Whilst the discovery brings a tragic conclusion to the search for Mr Hill, questions remain about the circumstances of his disappearance and death.

Thames Valley Police confirmed that the coroner will conduct a full investigation to determine the cause of death, with formal identification procedures still to be completed.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact Thames Valley Police on 101, quoting reference number 43230518718.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the dedication of search and rescue teams and the importance of community vigilance in missing person cases across the UK.

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