A body has been recovered from the water in South Wales during the search for George, the 18-year-old who disappeared from North Somerset 10 days ago.

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that the discovery was made on Sunday morning at a coastal location near Newport. It marks a significant development in an intensive multi-agency search operation that has been ongoing since the middle of September.

George was reported missing from the seaside town of Portishead on Thursday, September 17. In the days immediately following his disappearance, emergency responders launched a coordinated operation to locate him.

While formal identification has not yet been carried out, police have stated that the clothing found on the man matches the exact items George was last seen wearing in Portishead.

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that officers reached out to George's family immediately to inform them of the discovery. Specially trained officers are continuing to provide direct support to the family as they receive updates.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson set out the details: "The items of clothing worn by the man matched those George had last been seen wearing in Portishead on Thursday, September 17. As a matter of routine, a formal identification process will need to be undertaken. However, we have informed George’s family of this latest development and are continuing to provide them with support through a specially trained officer."

The spokesperson added that the death is not being treated as suspicious and will be passed to the coroner.

The search effort over the past 10 days involved a large-scale response across coastal and inland areas. Teams from Avon and Somerset Police, the Coastguard, the RNLI, and other emergency services all took part in operations, with Gwent Police assisting during the recovery on Sunday.

During the search last week, neighbourhood chief inspector Andy Barry acknowledged the family's fortitude, saying: "I would like to recognise the strength and resilience of George’s family during this time and we continue to keep them updated through a specialist liaison officer."

Police also issued a message of thanks to members of the public who responded to appeals, shared search notices, and called in with information, as well as thanking Gwent Police and the RNLI for their direct operational involvement.

What we don't have yet is the formal identification, which remains a routine requirement before any official confirmation can be finalized. Police noted that while the family have been deeply touched by the widespread offers of support from the public, they are understandably requesting privacy at this time.

The next steps will involve the formal identification process and the referral of the case to the coroner's office. I'll be following this one — check back for updates.