Missing dad TJay Waters' body found on beach 6 months after he was last seen

Police have confirmed a body found on a beach belongs to a dad who went missing months ago.

TJay Waters was reported missingon Wednesday, March 5, after last being spotted at a Cash Converters in Southport town centre a day prior. The month after, the 36-year-old's mum made a desperate appealbegging her son to come home.

She said: "We just want you to come home TJay and to know that you’re safe. We really miss you. If you’re reading this, please come home. If you see him, could you please let the police know so they can make sure he’s okay.”

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TJay was originally from Burnley but lived in Southport before his death. Merseyside Police has today confirmed a body was found on Southport beach on Sunday, July 13, with forensic tests confirming the identity as that of TJay.

"His family have been updated and are being supported at this time," the force said. Mark Webster launched a similar appeal for his friend to come home, making posters for his safe return and setting up a Facebook group called "Help find TJay".

After police announced news of his death, tributes flooded social media. One person said: "Not the news I was hoping for. Rest easy Tjay Waters.

"Some of the memories we have together I will cherish for the rest of my life my brother. As sad as the whole situation has been, you are finally at peace now."

Loved ones and friends also gathered at the RSPB Marshide site on Southport Beach for a moving vigil as loved ones paid tribute to the dad. Flowers, photos and a Liverpool FC scarf were laid at the gates in memory of TJay.

A friend who helped organised the vigil and balloon release told the ECHO: "Great send off for TJay thanks for everyone who came along yesterday, very emotional day for us all he would been proud off the turn out rest in peace TJay mate from us all."

Earlier this month, a man who went missing six years ago was found dead in a national park. The remains of Jordan Moray were found on the Brecon Beacon, and his family have since confirmed he was found near the Llwyn On Reservoir. Mr Moray had first been reported missing in 2019, after was last seen at his home in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Over the last six years Mr Moray's family issued numerous desperate appeals in the hope someone would come forward with information about his whereabouts.