Missing serving police officer, 26, found dead at nature reserve in 'absolute tragedy'

A serving police officer who was declared missing on Saturday night has been found dead, in circumstances his colleagues described as 'absolutely tragic.'

26-year-old PC Charlie Mitchell, who worked for West Yorkshire Police, was reported missing from his home in Leeds on Saturday night with concerns made for his welfare.

Investigators spend much of Sunday scouring St Aidan’s Nature Reserve for the missing PC, making their tragic discovery at around 5.30pm.

Charlie Mitchell's family were then notified that his body had been found, with police promising to provide them with "all the support" at this "very difficult time."

Assistant Chief Constable Robert McCoubrey said:

“Charlie’s death in these circumstances is absolutely tragic, and we offer our sincere condolences to his family and will be continuing to give them all the support we can at this very difficult time.

READ MORE: Helicopter crashes into lake in front of busy restaurant - diners look on in horror

READ MORE: WATCH how one man's car sinking into loch takes 'you can't park there' to new depths

“His death has also come as a terrible shock to his colleagues in Calderdale District and the wider West Yorkshire Police family and we will be making sure that all necessary support is in place for everyone who worked with him or knew him.”

Police believe there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and have notified the Coroner's Office.

The news comes within 24 hours of another serving police officer having been reported to be found dead.

In the early hours of Saturday morning Police office PC Ian Minett of Gloucestershire Constabulary died while on duty following an 'unexplained' death.

His colleagues were left 'devastated' after receiving the news of his death.