CCTV released over mystery death of boy, 16, found in river

Police investigating the death of a 16-year-old boy found in a river are appealing for help to trace three people who were seen walking close to where he was last seen. 

Jonty Evans was last seen wandering along Waterlode in Nantwich, Cheshire at 12.54am on Saturday, August 31. 

He was later seen crossing the road walking into Mill Island, a park situated next to the River Weaver. The teen was reported missing and his body was found in the River Weaver the following day. 

Police investigating Jonty's death have now released CCTV images of three people they believe may have 'vital' information about what happened to Jonty. 

They include a couple who were seen entering Mill Street at 12.53am on August 31, and a man who was seen on Waterlode walking toward Nantwich town centre at 12.59am. 

Officers say they are attempting to establish how Jonty entered the water.

They are also asking 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. 

Two 16-year-old boys were previously arrested on suspicion of assault but have since been eliminated from the investigation.

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Detective Inspector Nigel Parr, of the Major Investigation Team, said: 'Our investigation into how Jonty entered the water remains ongoing and, as part of further enquiries, we are asking anyone who may have seen him in the Waterlode area of Nantwich between 12.30am and 2.30am on Saturday 31 August or has captured him on any CCTV, dashcam or ring doorbell footage to please get in touch.

'As well as this, I would also like to ask anyone who has any information that may help officers in understanding the circumstances surrounding Jonty's death to please come forward.'

Jonty's family said in a tribute: '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. 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.