Tributes paid to missing Birmingham City fan Paul Pike after body found near Pride Park in Derby

His family has now been informed

Tributes have paid tribute to missing supporter Paul Pike after officers searching in Derby found a body near Pride Park Stadium.

The 18-year-old, who has autism and ADHD, went missing after watching Birmingham City take on Derby County at Pride Park on Saturday, March 21.

Derbyshire Police said a body was found at about 10.30am on Saturday, 29 March, the death is not being treated as suspicious, there is no believed third-party involvement, and a file is being prepared for the coroner.

His family has been informed.

Volunteers from Derby and Birmingham joined searches along the River Derwent and in nearby undergrowth, where items believed to belong to Paul were found near the path by Pride Park.

In a social media post, the club said staff were deeply saddened, thanked supporters in both cities and West Midlands and Derbyshire Police for their efforts, and offered condolences to Paul’s family, friends and loved ones.

Fans added messages of sympathy, including calls for an 18th-minute applause at Friday’s home game and appreciation for the Derby volunteers who organised the searches.

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