Family of missing Hartepool teenager informed as a body is found off town coast

The alarm was raised for Matthew Sherrington, 14, on Thursday, July 15, after reports he had been in the sea near Steetley Pier.

The body of a young male was found in the area a week later on July 22.

Police have stressed the person has not yet been identified although Matthew’s family have been informed of the discovery.

Several police and coastguard vehicles attended the entrance to the Brus Tunnel on Thursday morning.

Cleveland Police issued a statement later saying: “Officers searching for missing Matthew Sherrington, aged 14, from Hartlepool, have this morning found the body of a young male near to Steetley Pier, in Hartlepool.

“Whilst no formal identification has taken place as yet, officers are in contact with Matthew’s family and have informed them that a body has been located.”

A search operation for Matthew began at around 6.15pm last Thursday involving police, Coastguard search teams, including their helicopter, and Hartlepool RNLI’s all-weather and inshore lifeboats.

They worked throughout the night until the search was scaled back on Friday when it was said the chances of survival had diminished.

Hartlepool Coastguard Rescue Team then said: “This evening our hearts are heavy.”

They added their thoughts were with Matthew’s family and friends, and praised the sense of community support from the public during the search.

A number of posters appealing for help to find Matthew, also known as Matty, have been put up around the area where he went missing.

Many members of the public have also continued to search along the coast for him throughout the week.

A number of temporary signs warning of dangerous rip tides were recently put up around Steetley.

They were organised with the council by local councillor Rachel Creevy after two recent incidents of youngsters getting into trouble in the water.

Police have reminded people of the dangers of open water following Matthew’s disappearance and recent warm weather.

Advice includes if you find yourself caught in a rip tide don’t swim against it and swim with the current while calling for help.

Always swim where there are lifeguards and swim parallel to the shore so you’re never too far away from it.

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