Body found in Ukraine search for missing Brit ex-paratrooper and aid worker

A body has been found in the hunt for a missing British ex-paratrooper in Ukraine.

Daniel Burke, from Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester, travelled to the war-torn country to provide aid and was working in the Zaporizhzhia region when he vanished last month, reports Manchester Evening News.

Police searching for the 36-year-old have now sadly confirmed they have found a body.

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A statement from Greater Manchester Police said: "Officers searching for missing Daniel Burke have been informed by Ukrainian authorities that they have sadly found a body.

"Daniel, from south Manchester, was reported missing on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 by family who had not heard from him believing that he had travelled to Ukraine.

"Greater Manchester Police are working with the family of the deceased and the Ukrainian authorities to support the identification of Daniel and bring him back to the United Kingdom."

British police also confirmed Ukrainian authorities had been informed of the find.

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Last week, as the one-month anniversary of Burke's disappearance approached, his heartbroken mum Diane spoke to Manchester Evening News about the "nightmare" his family were going through.

"It’s been an absolute nightmare," she said.

"I don’t want it to be just brushed under the carpet. Nobody can just disappear into thin air. There has to be someone, somewhere, who knows something."

Burke previously served in Syria and Afghanistan and had plans to travel elsewhere, supported by his employer as a result of his excellent work in Ukraine.

Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes, GMP’s Lead for Disaster Victim Identification, said formal identification had not yet taken place – but added it was nevertheless a "difficult" time for Burke's loved ones.

"This is an upsetting time for Daniel’s family, we have Family Liaison Officers in contact with the family and offering support," he said.

“My team and I are working with the Ukrainian authorities to make formal identification with a view to repatriating Daniel following that process.

"Daniel’s family have asked for privacy at this difficult time."

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