A police officer is believed to have drowned after going missing during a night out in Bristol city centre
A young police officer is believed to have drowned after going missing during a night out, a court has heard.
PC Rehaan Akhtar, 28, from Llanelli, was last seen in the early hours of November 23 after drinking with his friends in Bristol, Avon Coroner’s Court was told. The South Wales Police officer was reported missing after failing to return to the hostel where he was staying.
PC Akhtar’s body was recovered by divers from Bristol Harbourside on the morning of November 24. Following a post-mortem examination, the provisional cause of PC Akhtar’s death was recorded as drowning.
Debbie Rookes, assistant coroner for Avon, opened and adjourned an inquest into the young man’s death on Wednesday.
The hearing was told PC Akhtar was pronounced dead at 10.39am by PC Adam Rowland at Narrow Quay and was later identified by his mother.
Ms Rookes said all evidence should be handed to the coroner’s court by January 5 and provisionally listed the inquest for a hearing on February 24, 2026.
In a statement, 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.”
