Body of missing backpacker found in Sydney

The body of missing British backpacker Sean Kennedy was found in Australia today, local police said.

The 22-year-old former Liverpool student was found in Cockle Bay, Pyrmont, at 7.30am local time by Sydney Water Police.

A New South Wales police spokesman said initial inquiries indicated there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Mr Kennedy was last seen 12 days ago outside the Metro Theatre in inner Sydney having an argument with people from the club.

He had been to watch the Irish rock band Ash, who made a personal appeal for any information about the missing tourist a week after he disappeared.

Norris Smith, a police media spokesman, said: “Mr Kennedy’s body was located at 7.30am on Tuesday, August 10.

“A post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine how he died. Initial inquiries suggest there were no suspicious circumstances.”

Mr Smith said a special strike force had been set up to investigate Mr Kennedy’s death and inquiries were on-going.

His parents, Donal and Denise Kennedy, also from Northampton, travelled to Sydney last week to help in the search for their son.

Mr Norris, from NSW police, said the family had been informed of the discovery and requested that their privacy be respected.