Body found in search for missing Ely man Stephen Ridley

A body has been found during the search for missing Ely man Stephen Ridley.

The body was discovered at Roswell Pits in Ely on Saturday (July 18) and Cambridgeshire police confirmed the death is not being treated as suspicious.

Mr Ridley’s family has been informed and officers are working with the coroner.

The 59-year-old went missing from his Ely home on Monday after going for a riverside walk.

A search of the countryside followed by police and members of the community.

His wife Denise had shared a message on social media to say he had a love of nature and had enjoyed spending time around rivers and Roswell Pits.

Following the discovery on Saturday, Denise wrote on social media, said: “This is something I never thought in my life that I would have to write. Unfortunately, this afternoon Stephen's body was found in Roswell Pits. We kindly ask at this time that you respect our family's privacy but we thank everyone for their kindness and support through this awful time.

“The past week has been a rollercoaster of emotions. We would also like to make a special thank you to Cambridgeshire, and specifically Ely, police for their amazing help and compassion in dealing with this difficult situation and our family. CAMSAR, Cambridge Search and Rescue, also deserves all of our thanks for all of their help during this past week and finally allowing us to have closure.

“Please remember all the good times that you have had with Stephen in the past, we have had so many messages from you all telling us about all the happy times that you have had with him and it is so heartwarming.

The message was signed by Denise, Hannah, Lily, Minnie, and also Elaine, Martin, Malcolm and their families.