Body of soldier, 25, found in river after he ‘got into car by mistake’

13 March 2024 , 14:18

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Charlie Saywell had been on a night out with friends before his body was later found in the River Medway (Image: Kent Police)

Detectives say they are trying to piece together a soldier's last movements after his body was tragically found in a river.

'Gentle giant' Charlie Saywell had been out socialising with friends before taking a taxi home on the night of Monday, March 4. Hours later, the 25-year-old was confirmed to have died after his body was recovered from the River Medway in Kent.

Charlie, from Brompton, had taken the cab back to where he was living before heading into nearby Chatham. He was seen walking past Primark in the town centre before visiting a takeaway between 12.10am and 2.40am, police said.

Detectives fear Charlie may have tried to get into an unidentified car nearby where the driver assaulted him, leaving him with facial injuries. His family have also joined police in issuing a plea for information so they can understand why Charlie died.

Mum Victoria Brown said: "If you have witnessed my son Charlie’s movement during the early hours of that morning and can offer any information, however small, please can you contact Kent Police so our family can have some answers about what happened to him."

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Charlie with pal Joe Leishman who described him as a 'gentle giant' (Gofundme)

Detective Sergeant Karen Caulfield, from Kent Police, said: "While we do not have specific information about where Charlie went between 12.10am and 2.40am, he had a phone conversation before his death which indicated he may have suffered an assault in the town during that period.

"We are appealing to anyone who may have seen Charlie walking in the Gillingham and Chatham areas during these times. We are particularly keen to hear from anybody who saw him in a fast-food outlet or involved in an altercation in or near to a car.

"At this stage we are not treating Charlie’s death as suspicious, however, it is important we understand where he visited and what happened to him prior to his tragic death." Charlie was wearing a dark navy coloured short sleeved t-shirt, khaki coloured cargo trousers and white trainers, when he was last seen.

Meanwhile, friends and loved ones have managed to raise nearly £2,000 to help Charlie's family following the devastating news. Describing him as a "gentle giant", pal Joe Leishman said Charlie had been "a massive part of my life".

Writing on a JustGiving page set up to raise money, Joe said: "I looked up to Charlie both physically and mentally and he sadly passed away recently at the age of 25. I know there will be a lot of people attending the service and would appreciate anything to go towards an upmost respectful funeral as it is the very least that boy deserves."

Anyone with information is asked to call the Kent Police quoting reference 46/36226/24. Drivers with dashcam and residents or businesses with private CCTV are also asked to check for relevant footage.

Susie Beever