Body of missing sports analyst is found in canal

The body of a 30-year-old sports data analyst has been found in a Camden canal a week after he went missing, starting a Facebook campaign.

A police patrol spotted John Regan's body in the water early today close to where he was last seen.

Mr Regan disappeared on the night France claimed victory over Ireland in a football World Cup play-off after leaving friends to walk along the canal to his Primrose Hill home.

Celebrities including TV presenter Claudia Winkleman and comedians David Mitchell and Dave Gorman joined an online appeal to find him.

Mr Regan was last seen on CCTV cameras walking past two unicyclists at Camden Stables Market. His body was found at 3am today near West Quay.

The area was sealed off while it was removed. Scotland Yard said the death was not being treated as suspicious.

A spokesman added: "The body was recovered and a man was pronounced dead at the scene. Although we await formal identification, we are satisfied that the deceased is John Regan, who had been reported missing to police. Next of kin have been informed."

The celebrities were among 2,500 people who joined a Facebook group spreading the word about the search for Mr Regan. Although he had visited several pubs on the evening, his friends said he was able to handle his drink.

Mr Regan had set off for his home in Chalcott Road after leaving friends at Bar Tok in Chalk Farm on 18 November. The previous day he had returned from a six-day holiday in Miami.

Mr Regan was originally from Derbyshire and his mother, brother and sister travelled to London to help search for him. Today they issued a statement saying his death was a tragic accident and that he would be greatly missed by family and friends. "We would like to thank everyone for their overwhelming support," it said.