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A body has been discovered in the search for a 13-year-old schoolboy who fell in the River Thames more than a week ago.

The Year 8 pupil was in his school uniform on his way to Ark Globe Academy in Southwark when he fell from Tower Bridge on 20 April.

The City of London Police force, which has been leading the search, confirmed that a body was found on Wednesday.

It was found near the Rotherhithe Tunnel, the City of London Police said.

A spokeswoman said the boy's family had been informed.

'Very saddened'

She said: "At about midday on 28 April, a body was recovered from the River Thames by marine units which we believe to be that of a 13-year-old who has been missing since 20 April.

"At this time formal identification has not yet taken place."

In a statement, Ark Globe principal Matt Jones said: "We are very saddened to hear that a body has been found and that the police believe it is the missing student of ours.

"Our hearts go out to his family and friends.

"As a school community, we are pulling together ensuring all our students are supported at this difficult time."