The family of a missing  student have said they believe the body found at Brighton Station is him.

Diogo Moreira, the 29-year-old Portuguese national, of Prestonville Road, Brighton, was last seen in the early hours of last Tuesday morning sparking a citywide search for him.

He had visited a friend who lived near to Brighton railway station to watch a movie and left sometime in the middle of the night.

On a Facebook page dedicated to find him a statement was posted by his family saying they believe the body found at the station is his - but police have said they have not made a formal identification yet and are "not in a position" to do so.

The statment said: "The family of Diogo Moreira would like to thank everyone for your effort. His body was found yesterday in Brighton.

“Diogo was known to many and esteemed by all.

“A walk in his memory will be organised next week, to celebrate the life of this wonderful person.”

Redroaster Cafe where the beloved student worked has also closed today due to bereavement.

A spokesman for British Transport Police (BTP) said: “I can confirm the body of a man was found close to the line at Brighton station at 12.15pm on Wednesday, July 22.

"BTP officers and colleagues from Sussex Police attended the scene.

“Enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the man’s death, which is currently being treated as unexplained, are ongoing.

“Officers are now working to identify the deceased and inform his family. A file will be prepared for the coroner.”

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "Officers are assisting British Transport Police officers with their enquiries after a body was found close to the line at Brighton Railway Station at 12.15pm on Wednesday (July 22).

"We understand the body has not yet been identified, so we are not in a position to say that it is that of the Diogo Moreira. British Transport Police are continuing enquiries and will advise us if that proves to be the case."

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference SSUB/B10 of 22/07/2015. 

Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.