Body found in River Waveney after search for missing man

Fire fighters at Homersfield during the search in the River Waveney. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Rescue workers made the discovery about 2pm today (Wednesday, November 23), in an isolated stretch of the river near the village of Homersfield, between Bungay and Diss.

The body has not yet been formally identified.

James Perkins, 60, from Cratfield, was reported missing to police at 10.30pm on Tuesday after his car was discovered off the B1062 close to the River Waveney in Homersfield, near to Mendham Marshes.

Mr Perkins was known as a strong swimmer who regularly swam at that location, so it is believed that he may have entered the river at Homersfield at some point Tuesday evening.

Police and coastguard rescue at Homersfield during the search in the River Waveney. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Police and the Coast Guard began search that night, and were joined by the Suffolk Fire and Rescue water rescue team earlier today.

The area was heavily flooded and even with the search completed along the bankside and in the flooded fields, there was no sighting.

The fire service's boat was launched into the water, and located the body.

John Tiffen, Suffolk Fire and Rescue group commander, said: 'Police and coastguard initiated a search [Tuesday] night and a more thorough search started at daylight this morning.

Fire Search and Rescue teams search the River Waveney at Homersfield. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

'This is obviously quite out of character behaviour for him.

'At this time of year it is seven or eight degrees in the river.'