A body found in water close to the Handelskade in Beverwijk is that of a missing Ukrainian 16-year-old who disappeared on Christmas Day, police confirmed on Monday.

The youngster, named as Milan, went out for a walk but failed to return. He was last spotted in Heemskerk where he lived with his family and other Ukrainian refugees in an apartment complex on the Debora Bakelaan.

Police assume he had been heading towards Velsen-Noord, some five kilometres away.

Milan had a mental disability and could not talk. However, his brother Leo told the Telegraaf earlier that he often went for a walk, following a route that he knew well. He wore a tracker which last made contact in Velsen-Noord.

“It is very sad that the hunt for Milan has ended tragically,” local police said in a statement. “Our condolences go out to his friends and family.”

Hundreds of people have been involved in the hunt for the boy since he disappeared, a gesture which the police described as “heartwarming”.