Off-Duty South Wales Police Officer Found Dead in Bristol After Night Out
A search for 28-year-old Rehaan Akhtar ended in tragedy after his body was recovered from the water near Bristol Harbourside, authorities confirmed. Akhtar, a police constable with South Wales Police, had been missing since the early hours of Sunday after an evening with friends.
The investigation began after Akhtar was last seen near the Arnolfini art gallery, a prominent landmark adjacent to the harbor. Following the alarm being raised, a comprehensive search operation was launched, culminating in the discovery of his body by specialist dive teams.
Akhtar, originally from Llanelli, Wales, approximately 90 miles from Bristol, had dedicated himself to law enforcement. He initially joined South Wales Police as a police community support officer (PCSO) in Cardiff in October 2021, before qualifying as a police constable and being stationed in Swansea in September of last year.
“We are shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Rehaan,” stated Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan, offering his deepest condolences to the officer’s family. “During his time with South Wales Police, he served our communities with pride and professionalism as both a PCSO and a police officer. He was greatly respected and liked by his colleagues and those he met.”
Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed that Akhtar’s death is currently being treated as unexplained, but not suspicious. A spokesperson for the force stated, “We are treating this death as unexplained, but not suspicious, and will be preparing a file for the coroner. We would like to thank the public for sharing our appeal.” The force is providing specialist support to Akhtar’s grieving family during this incredibly difficult time.
Beyond his professional life, Akhtar was a dedicated athlete, known for his talent on the football pitch. He played for Calsonic Kansei Swiss Valley AFC (CKSV), a team competing in the West Wales Premier League. The club expressed their profound sorrow, stating, “It is with great sadness that we share the devastating news of the passing of Rehaan Akhtar. He was a committed first team player, a passionate footballer, and a valued presence both on and off the pitch.”
Tributes also poured in from Akhtar’s former club, Trallwm Tigers FC, who described him as “a kind and humble person” who “gave everything on the pitch.” Llangennech AFC echoed these sentiments, calling him “a much-loved young man taken far too soon.”
Formal identification is expected to be completed shortly, and a specialist family liaison officer is supporting Akhtar’s family. Authorities have released a description of the officer, noting he was approximately 5ft 11ins tall, of muscular build, with short dark hair and a dark beard and moustache. He was last seen wearing a black Levi’s top, grey cargo trousers, and a navy jumper.
An inquest into the circumstances surrounding his death will be held at a later date.
