A young police officer is believed to have drowned after going missing during a night out in Bristol. PC Rehaan Akhtar, aged 28, from Llanelli, was last seen in the early hours of November 23 while socialising with friends.

The Avon Coroner’s Court was informed that PC Akhtar was reported missing after he did not return to the hostel where he was staying. His body was subsequently recovered by divers from Bristol Harbourside on the morning of November 24. A post-mortem examination provisionally determined the cause of death as drowning.

During the court proceedings, assistant coroner Debbie Rookes opened and adjourned an inquest into the young officer's death. The court heard that PC Akhtar was pronounced dead at 10.39am at Narrow Quay by PC Adam Rowland. He was later formally identified by his mother.

Ms Rookes stated that all evidence should be submitted to the coroner’s court by January 5, with the inquest provisionally scheduled for February 24, 2026.

PC Akhtar had served as a police community support officer in Cardiff since October 2021 before becoming a police constable based in Swansea in September 2023.

Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan expressed his shock and sadness at the news of Rehaan’s passing. He stated, "At this difficult time, our hearts go out to Rehaan’s family and friends, and we will do all we can to support them. During his time with South Wales Police, he served our communities with pride and professionalism as both a PCSO and a police officer. I know he was greatly respected and liked by his colleagues and those he met as part of his day-to-day duties. On behalf of South Wales Police, I offer our heartfelt condolences to all of those impacted by his passing."

Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed that PC Akhtar's death is not being treated as suspicious.