POLICE divers have recovered a body from the River Derwent in Derby.
The body of the man was pulled from the water close to Exeter Bridge at 12.45pm today.
Members of Nottinghamshire Police's water search team made the discovery following days of investigation.
A police spokesman said: "Although the body is yet to be identified, we do not believe it is Ricky Hill, who has been missing since late September, or Lubomir Sana, who has been missing since October 10."
Following today's discovery, a white forensics tent was erected on the path that leads from the bridge to the River Gardens and a police cordon stopped people from getting close to the scene, which is overlooked by Derby Council House.
Ruth Jackson was walking home to Mayfield Road, Chaddesden after going shopping in the city when she saw police activity.
The 37-year-old full-time mum said: "It is quite shocking to see, really.
"I started walking over the bridge and a policeman told me I needed to cross over but wouldn't tell me why, then I saw the white tent and put two and two together.
"It is not the sort of thing you expect to see on a Wednesday afternoon when you are walking home."
Unemployed Rupert Jenson, of Brighton Road, Alvaston, was another passer-by to come across the sight of the white forensics tent.
The 30-year-old said: "I was jogging along through Bass's Rec and into the Rover Gardens when I saw the police cordon.
"I asked the officer what was happening but he said he could not tell me and told me I needed to find another route.
"I have seen water rescue teams here the past couple of days and I had heard that someone had jumped from the bridge at the weekend.
"It is very said and my thoughts go to his family."
For the past two days, a search has been carried out by Derbyshire charity Watersafe UK, which has been using underwater cameras to try and locate a missing person.
On Saturday evening, members of the public called police to reports of a man seen jumping from the bridge and into the river.
Rolls-Royce worker Robert Spencer, of Chester Green, said he was not surprised a body had been found as he had seen water rescue teams at the site since the weekend.
He said: "It is very sad to hear that they've found someone but I was expecting to hear the news or read about it online at some point.
"I feel for his family and I suppose they can at least be put at ease knowing he has been found."
The identity of the body found will not be released until next of kin have been informed, police said.
Online readers of the Derby Telegraph and our Facebook page also expressed their shock at the discovery of the body.
Rebecca Ireland said: "It's been a sad week for Derby, my heart goes out to all the families RIP to all 3 people."
And Adam Kent said: "I wondered what they were doing earlier with the scuba diving stuff. A real shame, thoughts to everybody who knows him."
Anyone who witnessed a man jump from the bridge into the river on Saturday evening is asked to call 101.
