POLICE are investigating the death of a soldier found dead in a river – after he “mistakenly” got into a car and was “assaulted” by the driver.
The body of Charlie Saywell, 25, was recovered from the River Medway near Chatham, Kent, on March 5.
Charlie was out with friends before taking a taxi to his home in Brompton on the evening of Monday, March 4.
But officers believe instead of heading home immediately, the serviceman went for a walk into Chatham town centre between 12.10am and 2.40am.
Officers understand Charlie walked past Primark on Chatham High Street before he visited a fast-food outlet.
Charlie was last seen wearing a dark navy coloured short sleeved t-shirt, khaki coloured cargo trousers and white trainers.
Kent Police said the 25-year-old may have then “mistakenly” got into an unidentified car.
It is inside that car where he was reportedly “assaulted by the driver and suffered facial injuries”, police added.
His body was recovered from the River Medway, near Main Gate Road at 10.46am on March 5.
Charlie’s death is not currently being treated as suspicious, Kent Police said.
Detective Sergeant Karen Caulfield added: “While we do not have specific information about where Charlie went between 12.10am and 2.40am, he had a phone conversation before his death which indicated he may have suffered an assault in the town during that period.
“We are appealing to anyone who may have seen Charlie walking in the Gillingham and Chatham areas during these times.
“We are particularly keen to hear from anybody who saw him in a fast-food outlet or involved in an altercation in or near to a car.”
Charlie’s mum, Victoria Brown, also pleaded for those who may have seen Charlie or can offer any information “however small” to contact Kent Police.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Kent Police appeal line on 01634 792209, quoting reference 46/36226/24.
A GoFundMe has been set up by Charlie’s pal Joe to help raise money for funeral costs, click here to donate.