Video: Body of Ukrainian boy Milan found during search for missing teen, police say

Police in Beverwijk confirmed that a body found during a search for Milan, a Ukrainian teen living in Heemskerk, were in fact the remains of the missing 16-year-old boy. The discovery was made when police searched a waterway in a park for any trace of Milan, who was last seen on Debora Bakelaan near his home in Heemskerk when he went for a walk on Christmas Day.

The cause of death has not been released, and the investigation is ongoing. Investigators took a short period of time before confirming the identity of the body they found in the water at Scheybeeck Park on Monday afternoon. The case was initially classified as a death investigation.

Police said earlier that the teenager was affected by an intellectual disability and had difficulty speaking. "It is sad we are reporting that the search for Milan has ended tragically," police said in an update.

Milan was believed to have been walking from Heemskerk towards Wijkerstraatweg in Velsen-Noord, which would have taken him straight past the park. Police officers cordoned off a portion of the park and the shoreline after the discovery near Handelskade in the Noord-Holland city, according to NH Nieuws.

Nearly 700 volunteers helped search dozens of locations in the region over the course of the weekend. Several tips were reported to authorities since the child's disappearance was revealed publicly, with police putting out appeals for help in both Dutch and Ukrainian.

Authorities expressed their gratitude for the hundreds of people who helped search for clues over the past four days, and those who helped spread the public appeal for assistance. "We wish his family and loved ones strength in coping with this great loss," police said.

"At the same time, we would like to thank everyone who has helped us search and share their thoughts over the past few days. Their dedication and commitment is heartwarming."

“A tremendous number of people have helped with the search over the past few days," said Alexander Luijten, the mayor in Heemskerk. In a statement shared also on behalf of Beverwijk Mayor Martijn Smit and Velsen Mayor Frank Dales, Luijten also expressed his gratitude to those who assisted authorities. "Moments like these demonstrate just how connected we are when it really matters," he said.

Milan was described as a 16-year-old boy with light skin complexion, and standing over 1.8-meters in height. The boy has medium-length brown hair, and was last seen wearing a green coat, blue jogging pants, and black gym shoes.

The boat used on Monday to assist investigators was provided by the National Police unit. It was equipped with sonar gear to provide more detail in underwater searches. "We are constantly pursuing every possible lead," a police spokesperson told ANP earlier in the day.

Anyone who saw someone matching that description should contact emergency services at 112, police previously said. Until the case of his disappearance is resolved, authorities will still review witness statements and camera footage submitted to investigators.