Police seeking missing Ben, 17, recover body from river wharf

Ben Manning, 17, of Swillington, near Leeds, had been missing for nearly two weeks.

Police divers recovered a body from the river at Thornes Lane wharf in Wakefield.

Lee Manning, 29, Ben’s brother, last night wrote on the social network website Facebook. He said: “Ben has been found. It is the worst he has been found this afternoon by search divers in the River Calder.

“It seems so far that he has slipped down a banking walking down by the river and from Ben’s lack of swimming experience there was nothing that could be done.”

He added: “Rest In Peace my cocky little brother! We all love you so much.”

Ben was reported missing 12 days ago by his family after he failed to return home from a night out in Wakefield.

He had been dropped off in the city centre by his mother, Christine, and had been to watch his friend’s band play a gig in the Black Flag in Smyth Street in the city.

Ben was last seen near the JCT 600 garage in Denby Dale Road. He had walked from Westgate, down Queen Street, along George Street at the side of Gala Bingo across Ings Road and along Denby Dale Road.

The teenager’s last contact with friends or family was at around 1.30am when he sent a text message to his mother.

Members of Ben’s friends and family have been helping search areas of Wakefield for him.

Police had also searched a number of areas including main routes in and out of the city and the River Calder.

A spokeswoman for West Yorkshire Police said last night: “Police can confirm that the body of man has been recovered from the River Calder at Thornes Lane wharf in Wakefield at lunchtime.

“Formal identification has not yet taken place, however the family of 17-year-old Ben Manning, reported missing in Wakefield on Saturday, January 22, has been informed.

“The coroner’s officer has been informed. Inquiries are ongoing.”