Body found in River Roch confirmed as that of missing 27-year-old

A body found in a river on Saturday has been sadly confirmed as that of missing dad-of-two Nathaniel Favour Enemona.

The 27 year-old was last seen in the Roch Valley area of Heywood, near Rochdale, at around 9am on Sunday, November 24.

Searches to find Nathaniel were ongoing ever since, involving police, firefighters, mountain rescue teams and an HM Coastguard helicopter. Stretches of the River Roch close to Back o' th' Moss community centre were the focal point of efforts, together with woodland nearby.

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Police and specialist firefighters from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service were pictured at the scene in the Roch Valley area on Saturday morning after a man's body was found.

In an update on Sunday, Greater Manchester Police confirmed the man has now been confirmed to be Nathaniel. His family are said to be being supported by specialist officers.

In a statement on Sunday, GMP said: "At around 11am yesterday (Saturday 14 December 2024), we sadly located a body of a man in the water at the River Roch in Heywood, Rochdale.

"The man has now been confirmed to be Nathaniel, who went missing in Heywood on Sunday 24 November 2024. His next of kin are currently being supported by officers. Thank you for sharing our appeals."

An inquest is now expected to be opened and adjourned at a later day.

Police said on Saturday the tragedy was not being treated as suspicious.

Speaking previously to the M.E.N, his wife Eunice said Nathaniel had left his phone at home when he told her he was going to the shops on the Sunday morning. He left their home in Heywood at around 8.30am.

It was a short time later that a dog walker said they saw Nathaniel in a 'sleepy state' and sitting on the wall beside the river, which was fast-flowing and 'dangerous' due to the impact of Storm Bert.

When she returned, Nathaniel had vanished, however his slider-style footwear had been left behind.

The walker recognised Nathaniel, who regularly visited the beauty spot near to the Heywood Waterfall, and immediately rang the police. No further details have been revealed.