Body found in Yarmouth murder probe

Stephen PullingerA dramatic new lead has emerged in the seven-month search for missing Great Yarmouth man Derick Tempest with the discovery of a body in the River Yare near the Berney Arms.Stephen Pullinger

A dramatic new lead has emerged in the seven-month search for missing Great Yarmouth man Derick Tempest with the discovery of a body in the River Yare near the Berney Arms.

The body was spotted at the isolated beauty spot on the marshes between Norwich and Yarmouth by a member of the public at about 5pm on Friday and a post mortem examination will be carried out today.

It is understood that pending a positive identification being made, detectives have delayed plans to resume their search of the river by police divers.

Father-of-three Mr Tempest, 30, of Nottingham Way, was last seen on October 28 walking along the town's Blackfriars Road towards Hall's Garage in nearby Camden Place.

Forensic evidence discovered in the workshop quickly led police to believe he was murdered there and they suspect his body was dumped in the river that night after being moved in a white van belonging to garage proprietors Jim Hall, 60, and Andrew Ventham, 49.

Mr Hall and Mr Ventham were found dead in their garage five days after Mr Tempest's disappearance having apparently committed suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning.

A 24-year-old local man was arrested before Christmas in connection with the alleged murder but he was released from his bail last week.

Police divers had searched the River Yare from Haven Bridge to the harbour mouth without making any significant finds.

It is understood that until the discovery of the body they were preparing to resume the search after requesting a barge to be moved.