A body recovered from close to Grimsby Docks in the Humber Estuary is that of missing student Libby Squire, Humberside Police has said.

Detective Superintendent Martin Smalley confirmed that the woman's body recovered on Wednesday afternoon had been identified.

In a statement, he said: "A post-mortem examination commenced this afternoon and is continuing to be carried out this evening, however formal identification has now taken place and we can confirm the body recovered is that of missing woman Libby Squire.

Image: After apparently getting turned away, CCTV footage shows Ms Squire talking to a friend in the queue

Image: Libby Squire was wearing black on the night she went missing

"Libby's family have been informed and are receiving support from specially trained officers. We would ask their privacy is please respected at this incredibly distressing time."

Humberside Police had been searching for the student who disappeared from near her Hull home seven weeks ago.


Detective Smalley said officers had been "working relentlessly" to find her.

Image: Flowers have been left on the bench she was seen near on the night she disappeared

Image: Messages were left on flowers on Beverley Road

"One man was arrested in February in connection to Libby's disappearance and remains under investigation.

"We will provide updates as and when we can as to the progress of the investigation, which has been continuous since Libby's disappearance and remains ongoing."

Mr Smalley added that the people of Hull have shown "tremendous support" to Libby's family and to the officers and support staff involved in the searches and investigation.

"Our priority is to support Libby's family and give them the answers they desperately need."

After her disappearance, the family of Libby Squire released a video of her at university

Image: Police have thanked volunteers helping in the search

Ms Squire, 21, was last seen on 1 February, and more than a week ago detectives said it was increasingly likely "she has come to harm".

The University of Hull student, who is originally from High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, was reported missing after a night out with friends in Hull.

Police released CCTV footage of potential witnesses in the case of Libby Squire

Professor Susan Lea, vice-chancellor at the University of Hull, said the community of staff and students "are all absolutely devastated by the loss of our student, Libby Squire".

She said: "Our hearts go out to Libby's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time and we will continue to give them our full support."

Image: An image of replica clothing Libby Squire was last seen wearing

Days after her disappearance, around 200 students and staff gathered in the rain at the university to show solidarity and support for Ms Squire, her family and friends.