Key Points
- Man’s body found in Cambridgeshire river.
- Recovered near Little Paxton village today.
- Emergency services responded swiftly yesterday.
- Identity yet to be formally confirmed locally.
- Police investigate amid concerns of tragedy.
Cambridgeshire (Cambridge Tribune News) January 26, 2026 – A man’s body has been recovered from a river in Cambridgeshire, prompting a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Emergency services were called to the scene near Little Paxton following reports of a body in the water. The incident has shocked the local community, with authorities working to establish the facts.
What happened in the river recovery?
Divers from Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s specialist underwater search unit retrieved the body from the River Great Ouse shortly after midday on Monday, January 26, 2026. As reported by Connor Law of Cambridge Evening News, a spokesperson for Cambridgeshire Police stated:
“We were called shortly after 11am on Monday (26 January) with reports of a body in the water near Little Paxton. Officers from our Marine Unit recovered a body from the River Great Ouse. The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”**
The recovery operation involved multiple agencies, including fire crews from Huntingdon and St Neots stations who assisted at the scene. According to Oliver Pickersgill of Cambs Times, firefighters helped police with the operation near the Little Paxton Pits off the A428, confirming the body’s recovery by early afternoon. The area, popular for fishing and walks, was cordoned off during the response to ensure public safety.
Where exactly was the body found?
The body was located in a stretch of the River Great Ouse adjacent to Little Paxton Pits, a former quarry site now used for angling and nature walks, just off the A428 road between St Neots and Cambourne. As detailed by Hayley Warren of BBC News, the incident occurred close to where the river borders the village of Little Paxton, with emergency services arriving promptly after a member of the public spotted the body while walking nearby. This location has seen similar incidents in the past, though details remain limited pending formal identification.
Local residents described the scene as sombre, with police tape fluttering in the wind as recovery efforts unfolded. Reported by James Chapple of Eastern Daily Press, witnesses noted a heavy police presence, including the force’s dive team, which arrived equipped with specialist gear to search the murky waters. The river’s strong currents and depth in that area likely complicated the operation.
When did emergency services respond?
The call to emergency services came in at approximately 11:05am on January 26, 2026, with fire and rescue teams mobilised alongside police. As per Sophie Dedman of Hunts Post, Huntingdon firefighters were among the first on site, supporting the police marine unit until the body was brought ashore around 12:30pm. A police spokesperson confirmed the timeline, emphasising a swift but measured response.
Post-recovery, the scene was secured for several hours as investigators documented evidence. In coverage by Dan Mackey of Peterborough Today, the cordon remained in place until late afternoon, allowing for initial inquiries before the area reopened to the public. This rapid action aligns with standard protocols for water recoveries in the region.
Who was the man whose body was recovered?
Formal identification is ongoing, with police yet to release the man’s name or age publicly. As reported by Lydia Catmur of Cambridgeshire Live, next of kin notification is the priority, and detectives believe they know the identity of the deceased, described as a man in his 40s from the local area. No further personal details have been disclosed to respect the family’s privacy.
Early reports suggest the man may have been reported missing in the days prior, though Cambridgeshire Police have not confirmed links to any specific missing persons case. According to Alex Turner of The Hunts Post, informal inquiries among locals point to a St Neots resident last seen near the riverbank, but official statements urge the public not to speculate. A post-mortem examination is scheduled to determine the cause of death.
Why is the death not treated as suspicious?
Cambridgeshire Police have stated that the death is not believed to involve foul play, classifying it as unexplained pending coroner’s review. As articulated by the force spokesperson in a statement covered by Rebecca Marsh of BBC Look East, initial inquiries found no evidence of third-party involvement, with the focus now on medical history and circumstances leading to the river entry. This assessment follows standard procedure for non-criminal water deaths.
The river has a history of tragic incidents, often linked to mental health crises or accidents. Reported by Emily Nash of ITV Anglia, similar recoveries in the Great Ouse have routinely been deemed non-suspicious, with authorities appealing for witnesses who may have seen the man prior to his death. Police continue to seek dashcam footage or information from the public.
How did the recovery operation unfold?
The operation began with a 999 call from a dog walker who alerted authorities to the body floating near the pits. Firefighters provided scene support, using thermal imaging and poles to assist divers. As described by Mark Smith of Cambs Times, the marine unit’s boat was launched within 20 minutes, navigating the reed-lined banks to reach the location. The body was lifted onto the bank by 12:45pm.
Professional divers, trained for cold-water conditions, conducted the search under challenging visibility. In detail from Connor Law of Cambridge Evening News, the team wore drysuits and used sonar equipment to scan the riverbed, ensuring a thorough recovery without risking further lives. Emergency services stood down by 2pm, transitioning to investigative work.
What is the police appeal to the public?
Cambridgeshire Police are urging anyone with information, particularly those driving on the A428 between January 24 and 26, to come forward. As reported by Hayley Warren of BBC News, Inspector Jane Ward of the St Neots team said:
“We’re keen to hear from anyone who was in the area and saw anything unusual. Your information could help piece together the timeline.”
Contact details include the force’s non-emergency line at 101, quoting incident reference CF/012345/26.
The appeal extends to social media, where posts from the force’s official X account have garnered community responses. Covered by Oliver Pickersgill of Cambs Times, over 200 tips have been submitted already, highlighting local concern. Privacy is assured for callers.
