Body Found in Portsmouth Car Believed to Be Missing Pensioner
The body of a man found inside a silver Renault Megane this morning is believed to be 78-year-old Brian Richardson, a missing pensioner. Police discovered the vehicle on the Claybank Road Industrial Estate in Portsmouth during the early hours.
City-Wide Search Ends in Tragedy
After a frantic overnight search across Portsmouth, officers appealed on social media for any information about Brian’s whereabouts. He went missing from his Seagrove Road home on Sunday evening, sparking major search efforts.
Seven police vehicles and specialist units swarmed the scene, sealing off part of the industrial estate. At around 9am, the Renault was carefully lifted onto a truck by crane and taken for forensic examination.
Police Investigate, No Suspicious Circumstances
Authorities have yet to officially identify the body but say they are not treating the death as suspicious. The Portsmouth coroner has been informed and a file is being prepared.
“We are in the early stages of the investigation but it appears the man took his own life. No one else is being sought in connection to this death,” a police source said.
Family Informed – Support Available
Hampshire Constabulary confirmed the discovery and said Brian’s family have been informed.
“Police searching for missing Portsmouth man Brian Richardson have this morning found a body in a car in Claybank Road. Although the body has not yet been formally identified, Brian’s family has been informed. We are preparing a file for the coroner,” a police spokesperson said.
If you’re struggling, help is available. Contact Portsmouth Samaritans at 023 9269 1313, or the free national helpline at 116 123. You can also email [email protected] or visit their branch at 296 London Road, North End, PO2 9JN. The branch is open 9am to 10pm daily, with facilities for visitors with disabilities including wheelchair access and adapted toilets.
