Body of missing North London student, 21, found in woodland after 9 days

The body of a man has been found by police in their search for a missing man. Officers were looking in an area of woodland for 21-year-old Lucas Opanuga when they came across the body yesterday (March 2).

Lucas has been reported missing from his home in Southgate, Enfield, for nine days. He was last seen by his family at around 4pm on February 22 when he caught a bus to go shopping elsewhere in Enfield.

The Met Police has previously said they are “increasingly concerned” for the young man’s welfare, adding that he may be suffering from depression. The force launched an urgent appeal to the public for their help in locating the 21-year-old and had been conducting an extensive search, including police helicopter searches, “due to his vulnerability”.

READ MORE: Sarah Everard’s family say they ‘miss her all the time’ a year on from her terrible murder

Lucas is a student at Portsmouth University and had returned home a few weeks ago. His family have been updated by police with this latest development in the search and are currently being supported by officers.

The student’s parents, Larissa and Adetola, have previously appealed for their son to contact them. They said: “Wherever you are Lucas, we love you so much and we want you to be safe. Please contact us to let us know that you’re safe. We really want to help you and we miss you so much.”

CCTV images were released that showed Lucas getting off a route 121 bus on Brunswick Road in Enfield Island Village at 4.45pm on the day he was last seen.

CCTV images show Lucas getting off a route 121 bus on Brunswick Road in Enfield Island Village at 4.45pm on February 22

Detective Sergeant Marc Robinson of the Met’s North Area Safeguarding team explained that police had been following “a number of active lines of enquiry” and had appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

He previously said: “We are doing all that we can to find Lucas and to support his family. Lucas is a student at Portsmouth University, he returned home a few weeks ago and may be suffering with depression.”

0 GettyImages 639998364

Do you want to stay up to date with the latest news, views, features and opinion from across the city?

MyLondon’s brilliant newsletter The 12 is absolutely jam packed with all the latest to keep you keep you entertained, informed and uplifted.

You’ll get 12 stories straight to your inbox at around 12pm. It’s the perfect lunchtime read.

And what’s more – it’s FREE!

The MyLondon team tells London stories for Londoners. Our journalists cover all the news you need – from City Hall to your local streets, so you’ll never miss a moment.

Don’t skip a beat and sign up to The 12 newsletter here.

He added: “Due to his vulnerability, we have been pursuing a number of active lines of enquiry, including extensive CCTV enquires, directed local enquiries in Enfield Island Village, regular checks with local hospitals and searches around Epping Forest and Enfield Island Village with air support from the police helicopter, but so far no trace of Lucas has been found. This work continues.

“Our concern continues to grow for his welfare. If you have seen Lucas since he went missing or know where he is please don’t hesitate to get in touch – there is a family desperately waiting for news that he is okay.”

If you are struggling with your mental health, contact Samaritans on 116 123 or visit [email protected]. Alternatively, you can speak to a trained advisor from Mind mental health charity on 0300 123 3393 or email [email protected].

Got a story? Email [email protected].

Want more from MyLondon? Sign up for our daily newsletters for all the latest and greatest from across London here.

Read More
Read More

https://www.mylondon.news/news/north-london-news/body-missing-north-london-student-23273518

Recommended For You