THE body of an Oxford Brookes University student missing for 36 hours has been found in a river close to his home.

Matthew Jones, 23, was reported missing by his family at 8.30am on Monday after he did not come home from a city centre pub on Sunday night.

Worried friends and family had left dozens of messages on his Facebook page asking him to get in touch before police divers discovered his body in the Bulstake Stream, off Ferry Hinksey Road, at 12.30pm yesterday.

Last night, police were trying to piece together his final movements and discover how he died.

Police spokesman Victoria Brandon said: “The death is being treated as unexplained at this stage and an investigation will be carried out to establish the circumstances surrounding the man’s death.”

Heavy metal fan Mr Jones described himself on his Facebook page as a nice guy who loved to drink at the Gloucester Arms in Friars Entry and in the Purple Turtle in the city centre.

According to the social networking website, Mr Jones – who lived in North Hinksey Lane, North Hinksey, according to the electoral roll – was a former Matthew Arnold School pupil and worked at the Co-op supermarket in Summertown.

Mr Jones’s last Facebook update was on Sunday, at 6.24pm, where he wrote: “Im going 2 gloc quizz now.”

Just a few hours later, Alex Foot was one of many friends and family on Facebook trying to find out where he had gone.

He wrote: “I don’t know if you are in a spot of bother, but if you can see this then get in touch mate, nothing is worth putting your family and friends through this kind of stress. We do care, get in touch mate. Just be safe.”

His sister Charlotte wrote: “If anyone has seen or been in contact with my brother after 12am last night night please get in contact with me.

“He is missing, the police are involved and we need all the information we can get. Thanks.”

Last night, friends remembered how Mr Jones made them laugh.

Charlie Maddox, 23, from Didcot, met him at the Gloucester Arms six years ago.

She said: “Everyone knew him. He was such a good laugh to be out with. He was fun all the time.

“We all loved Matthew Jones and he will always be in our hearts. Keep rocking out dude, you will be missed.”

Close friend Robert Hussey, 20, from Eynsham, said: “You were like a brother to me. I loved you like a brother and I miss you so much. RIP mate.”

Friend Ann Falk said: “He was the kind of person you meet and like from the first moment.

“He was lovely, funny and you could always have a drink with him.

“He was a legend and he will be missed so much.

“Words can’t describe how much he’ll be missed and how much he is loved.”