A body has been found in the search for missing Ripon man Gavin Dhont.

Mr Dhont, 45, was reported missing on December 13, after last being seen in the city on December 6.

North Yorkshire Police said this afternoon a body recovered from the River Ure on January 29 had been identified as Mr Dhont.

A brief police statement said:

“A body recovered from the River Ure on 29 January 2023 has been identified as Gavin Dhont, a Ripon man who was reported missing on 13 December 2022.

“Mr Dhont’s family have been informed and we would ask that their privacy is respected.”

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Searches continue for two men who have been missing in the Harrogate district since last year.

Gavin Dhont, Ripon, and Jesus Moreno, Leeds, have both not been seen since late 2022.

Officers at both North Yorkshire Police and West Yorkshire Police have reissued appeals for any sightings of both men.

Mr Moreno, who worked at a Leeds brewery, has been missing for five months after last being seen in August 2022.

The brewer was spotted on CCTV catching a 36 bus from Leeds bus station at 6.10am on Monday, August 1.

He got off the bus at Swindon Lane near Dunkeswick, just north of Harewood bridge on the A61, at 6.39am. He was then seen on CCTV near the bridge at 8.14am.

Posters were put up in Harrogate looking for missing man Jesus Moreno.

However, searches of the area carried out by West Yorkshire Police have not resulted in any findings.

A force spokesperson told the Stray Ferret that Mr Moreno’s case remains “the subject of a high risk missing person investigation”.

They added:

“Officers from Leeds CID are continuing to support the family and give them a detailed overview of their enquiries so far.”

Anyone with information can call West Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting reference 13220422334.

Ripon man missing for more than a month

North Yorkshire Police has reiterated an appeal for any information on Gavin Dhont, who has been missing from Ripon for more than a month.

Mr Dhont was last seen in the city on Tuesday, December 6 and officers said they are extremely worried for his welfare.

Police have carried out searches for the 45-year-old, including the use of police dogs and the police drone, but with no gain.

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He is known to enjoys walks in areas including the Hell Wath, Studley Roger, Studley Royal Park and along the River Ure. He also enjoys visiting Ripon Wetlands.

North Yorkshire Police Inspector, Ed Rogerson, said:

“We’re really grateful to everyone who has been in touch to support our search and we’re asking the public once again to please keep your eyes peeled for any sightings. Every piece of information reported to us is really valuable so do get in touch by calling 101 if you can help.

“We know Gavin enjoys walking in the local area so if you are out and about, please keep Gavin in mind. Thank you.”

Mr Dhont is described as of thin build with short dark brown hair.

Anyone who has seen him since he went missing or who believes they know his whereabouts is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police as a matter of urgency on 101, or call 999 in an emergency and quote either his name or reference 12220219012.

Police have urged people to be vigilant for sightings of a Ripon man who has been missing for two weeks.

Gavin Dhont, 45, was last seen in the city on Tuesday, December 6 and officers said they are extremely worried for his welfare.

Gavin enjoys walks in areas including the Hell Wath, Studley Roger, Studley Royal Park and along the River Ure. He also enjoys visiting Ripon Wetlands.

North Yorkshire Police has urged people to keep an eye out for him over Christmas.

Inspector Ed Rogerson said: 

“We’re doing everything we can to try and locate Gavin but you, the public, are vital extra eyes and ears to help look for him.

“We know many people will be out and about enjoying the countryside over the festive period and we’d really urge you to be vigilant for any sightings of Gavin.

“We’d also ask everyone in the areas near Gavin’s home and where he is known to walk, to please check any doorbell footage which may give information as to the direction he travelled in.

“If you have any information which could help please call 101 or 999 for an immediate sighting. Your support is invaluable, thank you.”

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Police are asking residents and business owners in these areas, and along Princess Road and Lead Lane, to check any video doorbells which may hold footage of Gavin.

The force has also issued posters and leaflets in the area to encourage people to keep looking for him.

Gavin Dhont, who has been reported missing for two weeks.

In an appeal last week, Luc, Gavin’s dad, said:

“Gavin if you see or hear this appeal please contact someone. 

“Either call myself or another family member or friend or call the police. 

“We all want to know you are OK and bring you home safely. We are all very worried about you.”

Gavin is described as of thin build with short dark brown hair.

Anyone who has seen him since he went missing or who believes they know his whereabouts is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police as a matter of urgency on 101, or call 999 in an emergency and quote either his name or reference 12220219012.