Family pays tribute to Uckfield teenager Marc Williams

The 18-year-old's body was found in woodland near Heron's Ghyll on Tuesday night (1st June)

Author: Jo SymesPublished 4th Jun 2021

The family of Marc Williams has paid tribute to the ‘loving and caring’ teenager.

Police investigating the disappearance of 18-year-old Marc found a body in woodland surrounding the Heron’s Ghyll area late Tuesday night (June 1).

On Thursday (June 3), the body was formally identified to be that of Marc Williams.

In a statement released through Sussex Police, Marc’s family said:

“Marc touched the hearts of so many people and made their lives brighter with his loving, caring and thoughtful actions.

“We are feeling his loss every second and that will never change. Our hearts are broken.

“Rest peacefully, our cheeky boy. With so much love from Mum, Dad and your whole family.”

Marc was reported missing having not returned home from the Maresfield area on Saturday evening (May 29).

Lewis Ashdown, 19, of Normansland, Fairwarp, Uckfield, was arrested in Eastbourne on Tuesday (June 1) and subsequently charged with murder.

He appeared before Brighton Magistrates' Court on Thursday (June 3) and has been remanded in custody to next appear before Lewes Crown Court on Friday (June 4).

Detective Chief Inspector Emma Vickers said:

"Our thoughts remain with Marc's family at this difficult time. They are being supported by specially trained officers and we ask that their privacy is respected.

"This is a fast-moving enquiry and we thank the public for their patience and understanding as we continue to carry out our work in the area.

"Anyone with information that may assist with our investigation is urged to report it to us immediately online or by calling 101, quoting Operation Skittle."

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