The ‘traumatising’ search for dead bodies in the Thames – and why dozens are found every year
There was always a “huge sense of relief” for Gill Williams when she found a body.
Working as a police diver, the most difficult part of her job was the long, tiring searches – her mind playing tricks as she felt her way forward in the cold, dark water, waiting to touch a limb.
During her 23-year career with Thames Valley Police, she says there were only a couple of occasions in hundreds of searches that bodies were found as soon as she entered the water.
Now retired, she says she doesn’t envy the task of the marine unit looking for 35-year-old Abdul Ezedi in the River Thames.
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Police search river for Ezedi’s body
Ezedi is believed to have died after entering the water around Chelsea Bridge, a few hours after allegedly throwing a strong alkali on his former partner and injuring her two daughters – aged three and eight – in Clapham, south London, on 31 January.
The Metropolitan Police has said it could take up to a month to find him – but the force also admits his body may never surface due to the conditions in the river.
During the search for Ezedi, two other bodies were discovered in the Thames – unrelated to the case.
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CCTV shows last sighting of Clapham suspect
It sounds shocking but Ms Williams says sadly this is “not unusual”. She and her team would sometimes be looking for up to six bodies after Christmas and New Year, a common time for people to take their own lives.
“We have recovered bodies that were down for three months, eventually found snagged up to three miles downstream – that’s a huge, huge area,” she tells Sky News.
Between 27 and 37 people died annually in the Thames in the years 2015 to 2022 – an average of about 31 – according to the Port of London Authority, which says 90% were a result of suicide.
‘It can be traumatic’
Some are accidental drownings and the vast majority are identified – their characteristics compared with the missing persons register, then confirmed through DNA, dental records or fingerprints.
Homicide victims are very rare – the torso of a young boy, nicknamed Adam by police, discovered in 2001 has never been identified. He is thought to have been trafficked to the UK from Nigeria and possibly murdered in a ritualistic killing.
For those who recover the bodies, it can be “traumatic”, says former Met detective Nick Aldworth.
Former Met detective Nick Aldworth. Pic: PA
“I have recovered plenty in my career and some of those have been in horrific states of decomposition,” he tells Sky News.
“That in itself is traumatising and makes you physically feel unwell so it’s not pleasant.
“Every person has a different reaction, some will be very scientific and pragmatic about it, others will find it quite distressing.”
Ms Williams insists she “never found it difficult”, crediting the support of her close-knit team for being able to cope.
“Psychologically afterwards – I did it for a very, very long time – I have never had nightmares,” she says.
“I know of police divers who have had problems and had to leave the team.”
‘Massively hostile environment’
On the challenges facing officers searching for Ezedi, Mr Aldworth described the Thames as a “massively hostile environment that’s constantly moving”.
“You’re talking about a river which is 275 miles long with a tidal range of 23ft and speeds of up to 10mph,” he says.
“You can’t see an inch in front of you and the challenge you have got is where do you start.”
Ezedi was seen looking over the railings at Chelsea Bridge. Pic: PA
Jumping into water from height can be like hitting concrete, he says, and it is “incredibly unlikely” Ezedi’s body will still be near Chelsea Bridge, with the strong tidal currents likely to have taken him down river.
If someone is weighted down with clothes, their body can sink straight away, or become snagged on one of the shopping trollies, sunken boats, cars and motorbikes, trees or other junk in the river.
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Over time, as the body starts to decay, gasses inside the stomach start to expand and they start to rise to the surface, says Mr Aldworth.
It can take a long time for a body to reach the sea because the changing tides move objects in both directions, but they are less likely to be spotted past Tower Bridge because there are fewer tourists and other passers-by.
The two bodies found during the search for Ezedi were discovered within 25 minutes of each other on Saturday – one near HMS Belfast and the other in Limehouse.
Both deaths are being treated as “unexpected pending further inquiries”.
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK
Singer Linda Nolan, who rose to fame alongside her sisters in The Nolans, has died after several years of battling cancer.
The Irish star, 65, and her sisters Coleen, Maureen, Bernie, Denise and Anne, had a run of hits in the late 1970s and ’80s – including the disco classic I’m In The Mood For Dancing.
Paying tribute on The Nolans‘ X account, her sisters described her as “a pop icon and beacon of hope”, who “faced incurable cancer with courage, grace and determination, inspiring millions”.
Linda died peacefully in hospital this morning, “embraced with love and comfort” with her siblings by her side, her agent Dermot McNamara said in a statement.
“As a member of The Nolans, one of the most successful girl groups of all time, Linda achieved global success; becoming the first Irish act to sell over a million records worldwide, touring the world and selling over 30 million records,” he said.
“Her distinctive voice and magnetic stage presence brought joy to fans around the world, securing her place as an icon of British and Irish entertainment.”
As well as her TV and musical career, Linda helped to raise more than £20 million for numerous charities, including Breast Cancer Now, Irish Cancer Society, Samaritans and others.
“Her selflessness and tireless commitment to making a difference in the lives of others will forever be a cornerstone of her legacy,” Mr McNamara said.
Five of the Nolans in 1983 (L-R): Linda, Anne, Bernie, Coleen and Maureen. Pic: PA
Linda’s death came after she was admitted to hospital with pneumonia over the weekend. She began receiving end-of-life care after slipping into a coma on Tuesday.
Details of a celebration of the star’s “remarkable life” will be shared in due course.
Linda was born to Tommy and Maureen Nolan in Dublin on 23 February 1959, the sixth of eight children.
Her parents were both singers and keen to turn their young family into a musical troupe. Linda made her stage debut aged just four.
Those early years put the siblings on track for a career in show business which lasted for decades. As well as I’m In The Mood For Dancing, The Nolans had hits with Gotta Pull Myself Together, Attention To Me and Don’t Make Waves, and they also had their own TV specials.
At their height, they toured with Frank Sinatra and were reported to have outsold The Beatles in Japan.
Linda left the group in 1983, but later reformed with her sisters for several comeback performances. She also became known for musical theatre, most notably performing the role of Mrs Johnstone in Blood Brothers for three years from 2000.
L-R: Bernie, Denise, Linda (top), Anne and Maureen Nolan pictured in 1975, before youngest sister Coleen joined the group
Four siblings struck by cancer
Linda was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, and underwent a mastectomy two days before her 47th birthday.
After being given the all-clear in 2011, in 2017 she was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer. Three years later, Linda and Anne together revealed they were being treated for cancer once again.
The sisters were diagnosed with different forms of the disease just days apart after they returned home from filming a series of their show, The Nolans Go Cruising. Linda had cancer of the liver, while Anne had breast cancer.
The star, pictured last year, had battled cancer for several years. Pic: Shutterstock
They went on to write Stronger Together, an account of their journey that included frank details of their treatments and the side effects.
But in 2023, Linda revealed the cancer had spread to her brain and she was beginning treatment as part of a new drug trial.
The Nolans lost their second-youngest sister, Bernie, to cancer in 2013, aged 52.
Loose Women star Coleen Nolan also revealed she was diagnosed with skin cancer last year, and said she was using a chemotherapy cream to remove it.
Linda’s husband of 26 years, Brian Hudson, died in 2007 after being diagnosed with skin cancer.
Anne Nolan is now cancer-free.
Tributes to star ‘who was always a joy’
TV star and singer Cheryl Baker and comedian Tommy Cannon are among those who have paid tribute.
“I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Linda Nolan,” Cannon wrote on X. “I had the pleasure of working with her on so many occasions, and she was always a joy – full of warmth and love. My thoughts and love are with the Nolan girls and the whole family.”
“The most incredible voice, the wickedest sense of humour, such a massive talent,” Baker wrote. “You’re with Brian now, Lin.”
Loose Women also sent its love to her family. Linda appeared as a guest panellist on the ITV chat show over the years, alongside her sister Coleen.
The Blackpool Grand Theatre described her as “a true Blackpool icon”.
A 20-year-old trainee gas engineer who won £7.5m says he was back working on blocked drains the day after claiming his cash.
James Clarkson, 20, from Carlisle, Cumbria, found out he’d hit the £7,533,329 National Lottery jackpot on 4 January – but said he has no plans to quit his job.
“I was out in the cold fixing blocked drains the day after I found out I had won,” he said.
“It was a bit grim but that’s reality.
“I’m not going to stop working, I’m too young,” he added, admitting he knew it might sound “mad” to some.
“I want to qualify as a heating engineer and then go from there.
“I need to have a purpose in life, plus dad wouldn’t let me not work anyway. He says there are plenty of millionaires out there that still work and you need a reason to get up each day.”
Mr Clarkson celebrating with his family. Pic: PA
Mr Clarkson added he still planned to have “some nice holidays” in between working, and revealed one of his first purchases was an all-inclusive luxury break to Cape Verde, along with a few designer items including a Gucci bag for his girlfriend and two new jackets for himself.
He said he also planned to splash out on a new car, possibly an Audi – but for now, he’s got his work van.
“If you drive a cold work van all day, going from job to job, you’d understand,” he said.
“The comfort, the steering, the heated seats. I realise how jammy that sounds, not many people my age can afford the car insurance let alone a car like that to drive.”
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As a huge Manchester City fan, he said he was also looking to buy a season ticket at the Etihad Stadium, as well as taking care of his extended family – starting with paying off his parents’ mortgage.
The new multi-millionaire holds up bespoke Manchester City kit celebrating his win. Pic: PA
He said: “I’ve been thinking about it a lot, it’s what I want to do. I told them last night and they seemed really overwhelmed.
“We are close and they have always been there for me. This win isn’t just for me, I want to make sure we all benefit.”
Mr Clarkson played on the National Lottery app, choosing his winning numbers – 16, 19, 22, 24, 27 and 35 – at random.
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