The force shared the tragic update this eveningPolice have recovered a body (Image: Paul Gillis)

Police searching for a man last seen at Bristol Harbourside have recovered a body. A public appeal was launched this morning (December 14) to trace a man named only as Matthew, aged 50.

Avon and Somerset Police said he had not been seen for 10 days, since Thursday, December 4, when he was last sighted walking past BSB Bar at around 4am.

The force said it was very concerned for his welfare and a tragic update has now been shared. In a Facebook post just after 8.30pm, a police spokesperson said: “We are saddened to report that a body has been recovered during the search for missing 50-year-old Matthew.

“While formal identification has not yet taken place, we have updated his next of kin and they are being offered support, and they remain in our thoughts during this difficult time.

“We are treating this death as unexplained, but not suspicious, and will be preparing a file for the coroner. We would like to thank the public for sharing our appeal.”

Matthew had been missing since December 4 and the report was escalated to police on Thursday (December 11). He was said to have last been seen in the city centre but also had links to Southville.

Police did not state where the discovery was made.