Body found in police search for missing diplomat Richard Morris

Body found in police search for missing diplomat Richard Morris thumbnail

The latest headlines in your inbox twice a day Monday – Friday plus breaking news updates

Police searching for missing diplomat Richard Morris say they have found a body in Alice Holt Forest in Hampshire.

The father-of-three was last seen setting off jogging from his home in Bentley, near Alton in Hampshire at around 10.30am on May 6.

He was last seen running in Islington Road in nearby Alton.

After weeks of searching officers announced the discovery of a body on Monday.

Formal identification has not yet taken place, but the 52-year-old’s family have been notified.

The death is not being treated as suspicious, Hampshire Police said.

Hampshire Constabulary said: “Officers investigating the disappearance of Richard Morris from Bentley have today found a body in Alice Holt Forest.

“Formal identification has not yet taken place, but the 52-year-old’s family have been notified. They are being supported by specialist officers.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”

Mr Morris, who is originally from Worcestershire, was the ambassador to Nepal between 2015 and November 2019 and accompanied the Duke of Sussex during his tour of the country in 2016.

Before that he was head of the Pacific department in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and has held senior diplomatic posts including in Australia and Mexico.

He was due to take up a position as British High Commissioner to Fiji in July.

In a statement, the Foreign Office previously said: “Richard is a much-valued and well-liked colleague.

“We are extremely worried that he is missing and we all hope he will be found safe and well soon.”