British authorities say a body has been found during the search for a missing university student.
Connor Calleja, a 20-year-old student at the University of Lincoln, disappeared after he was seen on University Bridge at 1:50 a.m. local time on Sunday, Jan. 11, according to Lincolnshire Police. In an updated public appeal, officers said the last known sighting occurred minutes later — at 2:09 a.m. — near Court 1 on the University of Lincoln campus.
When Calleja was first reported missing, police described him as having short, wavy brown hair. They said he was wearing a blue jumper with red and white stripes on the sleeve, blue jeans and white trainers.
On Tuesday, Jan. 13, police announced that a body was discovered during a search of the Foss bank body of water near Lincoln’s Brayford Pool.
“While formal identification has yet to take place, we believe this to be the body of 20-year-old Connor who was last seen in Lincoln on Sunday 11 January 2026,” police said.
Officers added that Calleja’s family has been informed and is being supported by specially trained staff. Police also said there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.
They asked the public and media to respect the family’s privacy.
Calleja was from Market Harborough in Leicestershire, the BBC reported.
John Lewis, Calleja’s stepfather, previously said that before his stepson vanished, he was denied entry to a nightclub and then tried to return to his residence, according to reports from the Manchester Evening News and ITV.
On Tuesday, the University of Lincoln shared a statement expressing condolences to Calleja’s family and friends.
“Connor was a much-loved member of our community and we know many staff and students will be shocked and saddened by this tragic news,” the university said. “Please take care of yourselves and each other.”
The university added that counseling support is available on campus. It also said further details will be shared later about how members of the community can pay their respects.
