THE search for missing Bromsgrove student Tom Jones ended in heartbreak yesterday with the discovery of his body.

Thousands of people took part in the search for the 18-year-old University of Worcester student after he went missing last Wednesday.

Police, firefighters and paramedics were called to Worcester Bridge yesterday after witnesses reported seeing a body in the River Severn at around 3.45pm.

A police cordon was set up near Browns at the Quay and Worcestershire County Cricket Club when officers arrived at the scene.

A search and rescue boat travelled up the river and transported what was thought to be Tom's body to an ambulance waiting at Worcester Dragon Boat Racing Club.

Tom disappeared on his way home from a night out in the city centre in the early hours of Wednesday, September 19.

Posters asking witnesses to contact the police were placed in supermarkets, shops and car windows and on lampposts across the city after he went missing.

The Find Jonah Facebook page, which has helped in the search for the teenager, said over 25,000 posters were handed out on Thursday.

A statement from West Mercia Police yesterday said: "Sadly, officers searching for missing 18-year-old Thomas Jones have recovered a body from the River Severn in Worcester today.

"Thomas' next of kin have been informed but as formal identification has not yet taken place, no further details can be released at this time."

Tom's parents Ian and Vicki Jones previously worked with police to retrace his steps on the night he went missing.

They believe he went to McDonald's at around 3am after partying in Velvet nightclub.

He then walked towards his St John's home, doubling back to buy a drink, and sent a Snapchat to friends from near Worcester Racecourse.

Police say he crossed Sabrina Bridge before walking along the path at the top of the Hylton Road flood defences in the direction of Hallow.