Missing teenage boy, 17, found dead next to canal eight miles from home after going for solo bike ride

A MISSING teenage boy has been found dead next to a canal eight miles from home after going on a bike ride alone.

Cops released CCTV footage of Charlie Johnson on his bicycle after he vanished at the weekend.

But tragically, officers have since confirmed that a body has been found.

Charlie's devastated family have been told and are being supported by specially-trained officers.

It's understood the death is not being treated as suspicious.

Charlie, from Solihull in the West Midlands, was last seen at about 7.15pm on Saturday.

West Midlands Police launched a search, asking members of the public for their help to track him down.

Last night, they released a heartbreaking update on their efforts to find the teen.

Officers said a bike like Charlie's was found before the body of a young man was then discovered.

A stretch of a canal in rural Finwood, Warwickshire - around eight miles from Solihull - has since been cordoned off.

In a series of posts on Twitter, cops said: "We’re sad to say that while we’ve been searching for missing teenager Charlie Johnson, we have found a young man’s body.

"Formal identification is yet to take place, but we believe it to be the 17-year old, from Solihull.

"We’ve told his family, who are devastated.

BODY FOUND BY REMOTE CANAL

"Charlie went missing on July 24 and we’ve been searching for him ever since.

"There’s nothing at this time to suggest that his death is suspicious.

"The young man’s body was found by officers at 1.24pm on Wednesday.

"They were searching the area after someone found a bike like Charlie’s nearby.

"A stretch of the canal in Finwood in Warwickshire is cordoned off while our investigation continues.

"Thanks to everyone who called us with sightings of Charlie and his bike.

"Remember that the charity Samaritans is available 24/7 if you need to talk.

"Call 116 123 for free."