Body of missing Joop Sparkes found in Prague river

As previously reported, police in Prague reported that a body had been found in the Vltava River on Sunday, May 5.

This afternoon Joop Sparkes' family confirmed that the body was him.

A spokesperson for Joop's family said: "I am really sad to say that I can confirm the body found is that of our beloved Joop.

"As you can imagine we are heartbroken and lost for words.

"We have so many questions and very few answers.

"We ask that our privacy is respected for the time being as the family come to terms with our huge loss."

Joop's sister Jodie Wilson said: "The family of Joop Sparkes would like to let you know that unfortunately it’s been confirmed as Joops body recovered from the water last night.

"We are all absolutely heartbroken and this wasn’t the outcome we had hoped for but like we promised we are bringing our boy home.

"We love you to the moon and back Joopster and you have left the biggest hole in our hearts ever.

"Rest easy baby bro"

Sharing the news to Facebook, Joop's girlfriend Charley Maben said: "The best six and a half years of my life!

"I know we had a rocky path but we eventually got there in the end.

"We always came back to each other because we couldn’t cope without one another.

"We had our whole life planned ahead of us. I will cherish our memories forever.

"You’ve walked that extra mile Joop. I love and miss you so much!!

"I will never ever forget you. My boy."

Joop went missing on April 28 after going overboard while on a party boat on the river. He is believed to have entered the water at Charles Bridge.

A GoFundMe page has raised more than £11,000 for Joop's family who travelled to Prague to aid in the search.

The money raised will now go towards repatriating Joop's body and covering funeral costs.

A spokesperson from the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) said: "We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Czech Republic and are in contact with the local authorities."