Officers searching for missing student Daniel Williams, 19, have found a body in a lake on the Whiteknights campus at the University of Reading on Tuesday morning, Thames Valley Police said.

A police statement said: “Although formal identification is yet to take place, the family of Daniel Williams has been informed of the development. Daniel has been missing since 12am on Thursday (31/1).”

Superintendent Stan Gilmour, Local Policing Area Commander for Reading, said: “Tragically officers searching for Daniel have located a body. While the identity of the person who died is yet to be established, we have informed Daniel’s family and are providing support to them.

“Please could I make an appeal to respect the privacy of Daniel’s family at what must be a deeply difficult time for them.”

The death is being treated as unexplained and is not believed to be suspicious, the force added.