'It at least brings closure.' Body found in search for missing Clacton teenager

A body, identified by police as that of Ben Quartermaine, 15, was found this morning as search teams prepared to renew their efforts to locate the missing teenager.

A member of the public made the discovery on the beach at Clacton at around 8am.

Police and the coastguard were due to resume their search for the missing teen this morning.

He went missing in the water close to Clacton Pier after getting into difficulty swimming with a friend.

Coastguards, lifeboat crews, police, paramedics and the coastguard's search and rescue helicopter were called to the scene at about 6.20pm on Thursday.

It is understood that Ben and a friend got into difficulty while swimming in waters to the east of the pier, but his friend was rescued thanks to Pier staff and Clacton RNLI.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Officers are no longer looking for a teenager who went missing near to Clacton Pier shortly after 6.30pm on July 26.

"We were called following reports that a body had been found near to Clacton Pier shortly before 8am this morning, Saturday, July 28.

"Police have provisionally identified him as 15-year-old Ben Quartermaine.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious but the cause of death is currently unknown and enquiries are ongoing."

Search teams worked tirelessly for hours on end, with reports of officers and volunteers working shifts of up to 14 hours.

The body was reportedly found close to Clacton Pier, where Ben was last sighted.

One onlooker, speaking from Clacton beach today, said: "He was found on the side of the pier pretty much exactly where he first went under.
"It was about 8am. 

"You think of the family, but at least now they know for sure and can grieve."

Loved - Tributes are flooding in for Ben

Nigel Brown, Clacton Pier’s communications manager, said the loss of Ben had touched many.

He added that support would be given to the two Pier workers who saved Ben's friend from the water.

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• 'THERE WAS NOTHING WE COULD DO FOR HIM... HE WENT UNDER AND NEVER CAME BACK OUT'

“This was a tragic accident which has meant the life of a 15-year-old has been cut so short and the thoughts of all at the Pier go out to them at this very difficult time," he said.

"We can only imagine what they must be going through.

“Ben’s brother, Josh, works at the Pier and Ben has friends who work there and so many have been affected by what has happened.

"As usual the Clacton community rallied round and did their best to support Ben’s family as they waited for him to be found.

“Having spoken to them during those very difficult hours I know they appreciated the kindness and support shown to them.

"Supermarkets sent down packs of water and there were other things delivered to them as they kept their vigil outside the Pier.”

Mr Brown talked of how students from Clacton Coastal Academy, where Ben went to school, were on scene throughout the search.

School staff also supported students.

“Now that Ben has been found it at least brings some closure for all those closest to him and will allow them to move forward and start the process of grieving for their sad loss,” he said.

“The Pier will be making sure that its staff who were involved in helping to rescue the other teenager in the water – and those who knew Ben – are coping with what has happened.”