Body of missing man Johnny Sleigh recovered from Thames

Johnny Sleigh

Devastating news for the family of John “Johnny” Sleigh. Detectives investigating the disappearance of the 36 year old New Zealand native, have confirmed the body recovered from the River Thames is John Sleigh.

Earlier this week Johnny’s brother & sister arrived in London to help in the search for their brother.

John from Clapham Common, who was also known as Johnny, was captured on CCTV in Drury Lane, WC2 shortly after he left the Guanabara Nightclub in Parker Street, WC2 on Saturday 8 May where he had spent the evening with friends.

He was reported missing by his boss after he didn’t show up for work on Monday 10 May.  An investigation and widespread media appeal was launched immediately, however his body was found on Monday in the River Thames near Tower Bridge.

Detectives say Johnny’s death is not being treated as suspicious and a post-mortem gave the cause of death as drowning.

CCTV footage show him on Hungerford foot bridge, WC2 heading south shortly before 2 am on Saturday 8 May.

Detective Inspector Tim Dobson, Homicide and Serious Crime Command said:

“We are appealing for anyone who may have seen Johnny during the early hours of Saturday 8 May, before 2 am particularly on or around Hungerford Bridge to contact the police.”

“We know from CCTV that there were several people using the bridge and any of them may be able assist us in establishing how Johnny came to be in the water.”

“We also know from CCTV that he did not reach the other side of the bridge. Similarly we would also like to speak anyone whom may have met him in the Guanabara Bar earlier that evening.”

Johnny was described as white, about 6’2 tall with short brown hair. He was of an athletic build. On the night he went missing he was wearing dark blue jeans, a blue zip-up top and brown leather shoes.

Johnny’s father and mother Peter and Caroline Sleigh issued a statement on behalf of the Sleigh family (including Johnny’s brother David Sleigh, and sisters Catherine Booth, Meg Sleigh and Susie Chambers):

“We are very sad that our precious son is no longer with us. The days since Johnny went missing have been some of the most difficult in our lives as we waited for news from the other side of the world. We very much wanted Johnny to be found alive, but to our great sadness this has not turned out to be the case. It is a parent’s hope their child will return safely from travels abroad and a parent’s nightmare that something happens while they are away.

The amazing outpouring of care and support from around the globe during the last 10 days shows just how special and loved our Johnny was”.

Police are asking anyone with information to call the incident room on 0207 321 9251 or to remain anonymous, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.