Abi Fisher: school pays tribute to ‘inspiring’ Castleford teacher whose body was found

The 29-year-old went missing from her home in Castleford, West Yorkshire at the weekend and her disappearance was described as out of character.

Mrs Fisher was the mother of a young baby and worked as a teacher.

Her family said her disappearance “completely out of character" and a major police search was launched.

But today (Monday) West Yorkshire Police confirmed they had found a body in undergrowth off Southmoor Road, near Brierley, South Yorkshire, over the weekend.

What did police say?

In a statement, West Yorkshire Police said: "Her body was found in undergrowth off Southmoor Road, near Brierley, South Yorkshire, yesterday (Sunday, 10 July). The body has not yet been formally identified but is believed to be that of 29-year-old Abi Fisher. Her family have been updated and are being supported by specially trained officers.

"A 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in custody.

"As part of their ongoing enquiries, officers are asking anyone with a dashcam fitted in their vehicle who has driven on the B6273 Southmoor Road between Hemsworth and Great Houghton between 8.15am and 9.15am on Saturday (9 July) to submit their footage to the police."

School’s tribute to Abi

Abi worked as a teacher at Featherstone All Saints CE Academy and had a passion for science. The school said it is "devastated" by her death.

In a statement, headteacher Matthew Jones said: "Abi was a wonderful person.

"She will be remembered as an enthusiastic, kind and caring teacher and colleague, who gave her all each day.

"In particular, her passion for science inspired countless children over the years - she made a real difference to so many lives.

"We are devastated by Abi's tragic death, and will continue to pray for her and her family.

"As a school we are supporting each other through this very difficult time."

Police appeal for information

Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Swift, of West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “On behalf of the police and Abi’s family, I would like to express our thanks to everyone who has assisted in the search for Abi. We know that there has been a real community effort to find her and that this update will be upsetting for many.

“The body has not yet been formally identified and we will update in due course when this has been confirmed.

“We are carrying out extensive enquiries and as part of that are appealing to the public to help us by providing any information that could help our investigation. We are particularly keen to hear from anyone with dashcam footage from Southmoor Road on Saturday morning and have set up a specific portal for footage to be submitted to.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team by using 101 Live Chat or by calling 101. Dashcam footage can be submitted via the Major Incident Public Portal at: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/13XM020122S93-PO1

A version of this story was originally published on our sister title, the Yorkshire Evening Post