Missing Durham student: Body thought to be Euan Coulthard Published duration 23 January 2015

image copyright Durham Police image caption Euan Coulthard had been on a night out in the city

A body found in the River Wear is believed to be that of missing Durham University student Euan Coulthard.

The law student, 19, from Bottesford in Leicestershire, was last seen in the city centre just after midnight on 14 January after leaving a nightclub.

Specialist divers searched the river close to Framwellgate Bridge following sightings of a body in the water.

Formal identification is yet to take place but Mr Coulthard's family have been informed, Durham Police said.

A post-mortem examination will take place later.

Professor Simon Hackett, principal of St Mary's College at the university, described Mr Coulthard as "an extremely popular student with a warm character and a great sense of humour".

He said: "Euan was a genuine friend to many. This was evident from the sheer number of students who helped with the police search.

"He held a scholarship from the Squire Sanders Sutton Trust and as well as being a very bright and diligent student, he was passionate about sport; he played football for the college and took a keen interest in cricket.

"Euan fully embraced university life and was a valued member of St Mary's community."

The Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove, Dean of Durham, said: "We are very sorry to hear that a body has been recovered from the River Wear.