Tributes pour in after body found on Christmas Day during search for missing student Tom Dingle
Tributes have poured in for missing student Tom Dingle after police confirmed that a body was found during the search for the 19-year-old on Christmas Day.
Police were contacted at 3.12pm on Christmas Day after a member of the public discovered a man deceased in woodland off Lees Lane in Dalton.
His death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be passed to HM Coroner in due course.
Tom’s family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: “Our thoughts are very much with them at this extremely distressing time.
“We would ask that their privacy is respected as they come to terms with this devastating news.
“This is not the outcome anybody wanted. We wanted to take this opportunity to thank everybody who shared our appeals for information.”
Following the news, messages of sympathy and support flooded social media, with many expressing their heartbreak for Tom’s family and loved ones.
Zoe Jacquita Harbon said: “Truly heartbreaking. My thoughts are with Tom's family at this incredibly sad time. My heart is broken for you.”
Andy Loynd wrote: “Such sad news to hear. I was really hoping he would have been found safe and well. Rest in peace.”
Anna Louise said: “This is so very sad. Hoping this wasn’t the case. Thoughts to all his loved ones at this incredibly hard time.”
Sharon Swales added: “Devastated for his family. Poor lad. I was praying for his safe return home. Sending our love to the family.”
Kay Hoey said: “Oh bless this young man, so heartbreaking. His family must be devastated. My prayers and thoughts go out to them at this very sad time.”
Jennifer Murray wrote: “Heartbreaking. Sincere condolences to his family.”
Marie Elsdon said: “So sad. My heart goes out to Tom’s family and friends.”
Maureen Walker added: “So very sad. My thoughts go out to all the family.”
Anne Collard said: “Heartbreaking news. Condolences to Tom's family and friends at this difficult time. RIP Tom.”
Serena Birtwistle wrote: “This is heartbreaking. My condolences to his loved ones, family and friends.”
Lou Stokes-Hoban said: “This is heartbreaking news. We were hoping and praying he would come home safe and sound to his lovely family. Thinking of all his family and friends at this devastating time.”
Ange Stride wrote: “So young. Bless his family and give them strength to help them handle such a tragic loss. I couldn’t begin to imagine such heartache.”
Andrew Hipkins said: “Tragic loss. Condolences to his family and friends and all involved.”
Carol Ross added: “Heartbreaking news. RIP beautiful boy. My heart goes out to his family and friends at this devastating time.”
Eryka Hurst wrote: “Terrible news, his poor family. I’m so sorry. So many people prayed and hoped for a different outcome. RIP young fella. Condolences to his friends and loved ones.”