Devastation after body found in search for teen, 17, who vanished five months ago

A FAMILY have been left devastated after a body was found in the search for a missing teen, who vanished four months ago.

Freddy Perham, 17, was described as a “wonderful boy” by his loved ones after remains found on a beach near his home in Stolford, Somerset, on January 30 were confirmed to be his.

SWNSA body found on a Somerset beach was confirmed to be that of missing teen Freddy Perham[/caption]

The family said: “There are no words to describe the overwhelming grief we have as a family at the loss of Freddy.

“The five months that Freddy was missing, were torturous, not knowing where he was, or whether he was alive.

“And whilst the news of his death is devastating, now that he’s been found and returned to our family we can lay Freddy to rest and grieve.

“Freddy was a wonderful boy. His carefree and infectious spirit was loved and cherished by all his family and friends and knowing we will never experience that again leaves us with a huge hole that can never be filled.

“We hope that he is now at peace.”

They went on to thank the police, their friends and the local community for their help and support.

The statement concluded: “Freddy our son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, you will be terribly missed.

“As a family, we want to say thank you to so many people who supported in the search for Freddy and continue to support us in our darkest times.”

Freddy went missing from his home on 20 September last year.

The search for him involved over 100 police officers and staff.

An inquest into his death has been opened at Somerset Coroner’s Court in Taunton and adjourned until November.