PC Charlie Mitchell’s body discovered at Leeds beauty spot as force mourns ‘absolutely tragic’ loss and colleagues left in shock
A young police officer who vanished while off duty has been found dead at a nature reserve in what colleagues are calling an “absolutely tragic” loss.
PC Charlie Mitchell, 26, was discovered at St Aidan’s Nature Reserve near Leeds at around 5.30pm on Sunday after a desperate search was launched when he failed to return home.
The Halifax-based patrol officer had been reported missing from his Leeds home on Saturday night, sparking immediate concerns for his welfare among family and colleagues.
DESPERATE SEARCH
West Yorkshire Police mounted an urgent search operation after the 6ft 6in officer disappeared, with efforts concentrated around the popular nature reserve.
CCTV footage released during the search showed PC Mitchell wearing a blue t-shirt, grey jacket, light-coloured shorts and grey and black trainers as he headed towards St Aidan’s.
The images captured him in a shop before he was last seen walking in the direction of the sprawling nature reserve, which covers 400 hectares of former opencast coal mine.
Officers spent Sunday scouring the parkland before making the devastating discovery as daylight began to fade.
NO SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES
Police confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding PC Mitchell’s death, with the Coroner’s Office now overseeing proceedings.
His heartbroken family were immediately informed of the tragic outcome and are being supported by specially trained officers during this devastating time.
The force has not released any further details about the circumstances of his death out of respect for his loved ones.
‘TERRIBLE SHOCK’
Assistant Chief Constable Robert McCoubrey paid tribute to the young officer, describing his death as “absolutely tragic.”
“We offer our sincere condolences to his family and will be continuing to give them all the support we can at this very difficult time,” he said.
He added: “His death has also come as a terrible shock to his colleagues in Calderdale District and the wider West Yorkshire Police family.
HALIFAX PATROL OFFICER
PC Mitchell served as a patrol officer in Halifax, where he was known as a dedicated and well-liked member of the force.
The 26-year-old was described by those who knew him as professional and committed to public service.
ACC McCoubrey promised: “We will be making sure that all necessary support is in place for everyone who worked with him or knew him.”
SUPPORT FOR COLLEAGUES
West Yorkshire Police immediately began offering support to PC Mitchell’s devastated colleagues, many of whom have expressed their shock and grief.
The force is providing counselling and assistance to officers struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss of their young colleague.
Internal briefings have been held to inform staff of the tragedy and ensure appropriate support mechanisms are in place.
COMMUNITY MOURNS
Tributes have poured in across social media as news of PC Mitchell’s death spread throughout the community.
Members of the public and fellow officers have expressed their condolences to his family and shared memories of the young constable.
The wider policing community has rallied around West Yorkshire Police, offering support during this difficult time.
ST AIDAN’S NATURE RESERVE
The nature reserve where PC Mitchell’s body was found is a popular walking spot created from a former opencast coal mine.
The site, managed by the RSPB, features lakes, grassland and wetlands, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Police have not released any information about why PC Mitchell may have been at the location.
POLICE WELFARE
The tragedy has once again highlighted concerns about officer welfare and mental health support within the force.
Police officers face unique pressures in their daily work, dealing with traumatic incidents and high-stress situations.
Forces across the UK have been working to improve mental health support and wellbeing services for serving officers.
INVESTIGATION CONTINUES
While police have confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances, the Coroner will conduct a full investigation into PC Mitchell’s death.
An inquest will be held in due course to formally establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The force has asked for privacy for PC Mitchell’s family as they come to terms with their devastating loss.
If you have been affected by this story, The Samaritans can be reached round the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org
