Cops had released CCTV this week showing his last movements

A BODY has been found in the search for a missing student days after his family’s emotional plea for their son to come home.

Tom Dingle, 19, from Appley Bridge, Lancashire, was last seen in the early hours of Saturday, December 13.

But Lancashire Police has now provided a tragic update in the search for the teenager.

The force said that on Christmas Day, they were contacted by a member of the public who had found a “man deceased” in a woodland off Lees Lane in Dalton.

While no formal identification has taken place, police believe it to be the body of 19-year-old Tom.

Tom’s family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers – his death is not being treated as suspicious.

This week, cops had released CCTV showing Tom’s last movements where he was seen walking along Appley Lane North at 12.40am, which was his last known location.

The Lancaster University student was in a “vulnerable state of mind” at the time of his disappearance, mother Susan claimed.

During a press conference, the heartbroken parent had said: “We just want him home as soon as possible.

“We’ve even put a note on the front door so he knows he can just walk in. We’re just here to love and protect him, that’s all.

“Tom is in a vulnerable state of mind following a traumatic event. He is grieving very much.

“My husband Peter and I, and Tom’s older brother, are going out of our minds with worry that something may have happened to him.

“We just want our baby back, that’s all.”

The urgent manhunt had included specialist search officers, uniformed officers, police dogs, a drone team and a mountain rescue team.

A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: “Tom’s family have been informed, and they continue to be supported by specially trained officers.

“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.

“Tom’s death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be passed to HM Coroner in due course.

“This is not the outcome anybody wanted. We wanted to take this opportunity to thank everybody who shared our appeals for information.”

Susan had previously said: “We just want him home where it’s safe. It’s cold and wet out at night. We don’t know if he’s seeking shelter anywhere.

“He needs to know that he’s not in any trouble because of the distress and worry. He needs to know that we are not in any way upset with him.

“We just want him home. We just love him so much and miss him desperately. So many people miss him as well, especially his family.”