Body of capsized canoeist found

The body was found in the River Teifi

Police have confirmed that a body found in a west wales river is that of a teenager who disappeared three weeks ago during a canoeing competition.

Engineering student Iain Hickson, 19, from Norwich, disappeared during an annual competition organised by Swansea University student union's sporting club on December 2.

His canoe was later found on the surface of the River Teifi, Llandysul, near Cardigan, close to a bridge where the undergraduate was last seen.

Weather conditions had hampered and immediate search of a 15 mile stretch of the river which was swollen by torrential rain.

Then, during the first major search for two weeks, the body was spotted by officers in the Dyfed-Powys Police helicopter.

A force spokesman said: "A body was found at around 3pm in the River Teifi downstream from Llandysul.

"A search was arranged because of favourable weather conditions and police helicopter personnel spotted the body."

Dog handlers, boat squad, divers and canoeist volunteers has also been involved in the search.

The coroner has been informed.