CCTV images released after boy, 16, found dead in river after going missing

New CCTV images have been released almost two months after a teenage boy was tragically found dead in a river a day after going missing.

Jonty Evans, 16, was found unresponsive by officers in the River Weaver, near Riverside in Nantwich, on September 1. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

He had been reported missing the day before having last been seen in the early hours of the morning walking along Waterlode in Nantwich before crossing the road and entering Mill Island.

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Officers have been conducting investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding how Jonty entered the water and are keen to speak to anyone who entered the Mill Island area or was in the vicinity of Riverside, known locally as 'the beach', between 12.30am and 6am on August 31.

Police are now trying to trace three individuals who they believe may hold crucial information and have released CCTV images to try and identify them.

Investigating officers are looking to speak to a couple who were seen entering Mill Street at 12.53am, and a man who exited onto Waterlode, walking toward Nantwich town centre at 12.59am.

Previously paying tribute to the teenager, Jonty's family said: "No words will ever describe the loss of our son. He was not only a son, but a friend and a brother. Jonty was compassionate, sensitive, brave and full of light, when he smiled it was as mountains smile to see the spring. His warm face greets me when I fall asleep and he's there the moment I wake up.

"You were ripped away from having a full and rich life and we were stolen the chance of ever having to see you grow old. This pain in our chests will never leave us and will forever be within our hearts because we love Jonty and that's something no one can take away from us.

"Tonight, and tomorrow and for the rest of our lives, we will look for you in the stars and through sunsets and remember who you were, until we meet again."

Detective Inspector Nigel Parr, of the Major Investigation Team, said: "Enquiries into piecing together Jonty's movements in the hours that led to him entering the River Weaver near Riverside, Nantwich, have been ongoing since he was found.

"Our investigation has led us to discover that Jonty was last seen at around 12.54am on Saturday 31 August, walking along Waterlode, before he crossed the road and walked down Mill Island, near the junction of Mill Street.

"We have also found that, at around 12.53am, two people were seen to have entered Mill Island. As well as this, a man was seen exciting Mill Island and walked on to Waterlode at around 12.59am, heading in the direction of the town centre.

"We believe that these people may hold crucial information and, as part of our ongoing enquiries, we are looking to identify them. If you know the identity of any of these people, or have any information regarding them, please contact us. We would also like to appeal directly to the people pictured to get in touch."

Anyone with any CCTV, dashcam, Ring doorbell footage or any information relating to this incident can submit it to police directly via MIPP. Alternatively, information can also be passed on to Cheshire Police on 101 or via the website, quoting IML-1907900.