Body found in river thought to be missing Bert

Lindsay Clarke Prior, 45, known as Bert, has not been seen since he left his home in Oundle on January 21.

Despite extensive searches by hundreds of local well-wishers alongside Bert’s family, no trace of him has been found.

On Friday, police officers were alerted to a body in the River Nene at Peterborough.

Today (Saturday) his family said on social media that they believed the body to be his.

A statement said: “We were visited by Northants Police late yesterday afternoon to advise us that a body has been recovered from the River Nene at Peterborough.

“Whilst a formal identification may not be made for several days, they believe that it is likely to be Bert.

“We are so sorry that we weren’t able to give better news but we wanted you to hear it from us.”

Bert was knwon to have a drink problem and had a fit the day before he went missing, increasing his family’s concerns.

While having lunch with his landlord, he got up and walked out of the house without saying a word and has not been seen since.

There were unconfirmed reports a man fitting his description had been seen on the day of his disappearance acting strangely on South Bridge and Oundle Marina.

Anyone who has any information about Bert’s whereabouts in the hours after he left his house can still contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.