Police searching for a man who went missing from a rave in Chingford have found a body in a canal.

Andrew Cooke, 29, from Crystal Palace, was last seen leaving the party at a disused building in Lea Valley Road, Chingford, on the afternoon of Sunday, February 12.

On Tuesday, the body of a man matching his description was discovered in the canalized section of the River Lee by Wharf Road, next to the Kings George’s Reservoir just over the border in Enfield.

He has not been formally identified but Mr Cooke’s family have revealed police were 99 per cent sure it was him.

The Missing People charity has also announced that Mr Cooke has been located.

Mr Cooke’s family have carried out multiple searches of the area and distributed hundreds of leaflets and posters in an attempt to find him.

His uncle Brian Cooke, 63, said: “We’re deeply sorry. His parents are in shock and in grief. Although it’s also a relief to us now we know.

“Andrew had a young and very talented life, and we know from the Facebook group [which raised awareness of his disappearance], which has nearly five-and-a-half thousand followers, that he was well liked.

“We’re very grateful to the people and shopkeepers of Chingford who helped in the search and displayed posters.”

Mr Cooke was spotted on CCTV at the Shell petrol station on the corner of Lea Valley Road and Sewardstone Road soon after leaving the party at 4.30pm.

It is thought he ended up in the canal shortly afterwards.

It is believed the body recovered by police was wearing the same clothes Mr Cooke had on when he was last seen.

A Met spokesman said: “Police were called at 2.13pm to Wharf Road with reports of a body in the River Lee. Officers attended the scene and a body of a man has been recovered.

“Officers believe they know the identity of the deceased.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances of the incident. The death is being treated as unexplained.”

Did you know Andrew Cooke? Leave your tributes below or contact the newsdesk on 0208 722 6353