EVIDENCE suggests a Rugby teenager who has been missing for over five weeks never made it out of the water at Newbold Quarry, police have said.
Toby Burwell, 17, was reported missing from his home in Newbold on February 20.
DI Gareth Unett, who has led the investigation from the start, said: “The evidence we have gathered strongly supports the conclusion that Toby went to Newbold Quarry alone for a swim and that, tragically, he got into difficulty and remains in the water. Toby is known to have previously gone swimming there at night.”
DI Unett’s statement was released with the agreement of Toby’s parents, Tim and Alan, who thanked everyone for their ongoing support.
He continued: “We have maintained an open mind, speaking with Toby’s friends, reviewing local CCTV and responding to potential sightings, considering all alternative explanations.
“Despite extensive, expert-led searches, we have found no evidence that Toby ever left the water, and there has been no positive sighting since.”
He added the search of the quarry had continued every day since Toby’s disappearance.
He said: “Specialist search officers, expert police divers, above-water search experts and sonar were just some of the methods we have been using and continue to use.
“Specialist divers have conducted searches of a large area covering near to where Toby is believed to have gone into the water, but as they moved into the deepest parts of the quarry they were faced with significant hazards – such as trees, machinery and thick vegetation.
“Sonar, underwater drones and similar methods proved ineffective because of this and, as the debris got thicker and visibility reduced, divers were reduced to ‘touch searching’.
“Advice was sought from national experts and based on the significant risk, diving activity has been paused while we pursue other technological solutions to search the water.”
He said Toby’s parents were being kept fully informed, and they were satisfied with the strategy being pursued.
He added: “People across the borough and beyond have been saddened and worried since Toby disappeared. We thank everyone for their ongoing support.
“We would like to thank all of Toby’s friends and loved ones for their help and support throughout. We also extend our heartfelt sympathy to them at this difficult time.
“I would like to thank everyone for continuing to respect the privacy of Toby’s family, for avoiding speculation on social media and for staying away from the water.”
