Tributes paid to police officer found dead in harbour
Divers recovered his body from the water on Monday
Last updated 25th Nov 2025
Tributes have been paid to a police officer whose body was pulled from a harbour after he went missing during a night-out in a city centre.
Rehaan Akhtar, 28, was last seen in the early hours of Sunday near the Arnolfini art gallery, which is adjacent to Bristol Harbourside.
Divers recovered his body from the water on Monday following a search.
Mr Akhtar, from Llanelli, was a constable with South Wales Police after first joining the force as a police community support officer (PCSO).
He worked as a PCSO in Cardiff from October 2021 before becoming a Pc based in Swansea in September 2023.
Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan said: "I was shocked and saddened to learn of Rehaan's passing.
"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 said Mr Akhtar's death was not being treated as suspicious and his family were being offered specialist support.
"We keep them in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time," a spokesman said.
"We are treating this death as unexplained, but not suspicious, and will be preparing a file for the coroner.
"We would like to thank the public for sharing our appeal."