Key Points

• Conor Kinlan, 30, a man of no fixed address, was found dead in the River Nene, Peterborough, on January 24, 2026.
• Police are treating the death as suspicious, with reports suggesting Kinlan may have been chased into the river the previous day.
• No arrests have been made, but detectives say evidence points toward possible foul play.
• A post-mortem examination is scheduled as part of Operation Adeo, led by the Major Crime Unit.
• Authorities are urging witnesses to come forward, stressing the importance of community information.

Incident Overview

A murder investigation has been launched after the body of Conor Kinlan was recovered from the River Nene in Peterborough, following reports that he may have been chased into the water near Town Bridge.

Emergency services were first alerted at approximately 12:00 GMT on Friday, January 23, 2026, after multiple calls reported a man entering the river close to Pleasure Fair Meadow Road. Despite immediate response efforts, challenging river conditions prevented recovery until the early hours of the following day.

Specialist dive teams located and recovered Kinlan’s body on Saturday, January 24, prompting Cambridgeshire Constabulary to formally classify the death as suspicious.

Murder Probe Under Operation Adeo

The investigation, codenamed Operation Adeo, is being led by Detective Chief Inspector Richard Stott of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit.

Police say several lines of inquiry are actively being pursued, including forensic examinations and witness statements. While officers have not confirmed the exact cause of death, early indications suggest possible foul play, with a post-mortem examination expected to provide critical clarity.

“As with any investigation of this nature, we are working to establish exactly how and why Conor entered the river,” DCI Stott said, emphasizing that the inquiry remains at an early stage.

Community Shock and Increased Police Presence

The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, particularly given the central location near Town Bridge. In response, police have increased patrols along the River Nene and surrounding areas to reassure residents and gather further intelligence.

Specialist family liaison officers are supporting Kinlan’s relatives as the investigation progresses.

Although the River Nene has been the site of previous incidents, police say no wider pattern has been identified at this stage. However, the alleged chase element has raised fresh concerns about safety near urban waterways.

Public Appeal for Witnesses

Detectives are keen to reconstruct Conor Kinlan’s movements in the hours leading up to the incident and are urging anyone who saw him—or any suspicious activity near Town Bridge—to come forward.

“Even seemingly minor details could be vital,” police said.

Members of the public can:

• Submit information via the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP), quoting Operation Adeo
• Call 101 with relevant information
• Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

Timeline of Events

• January 23, 2026 (~12:00 GMT): Police receive reports of a man being chased into the River Nene near Town Bridge.
• January 23, 2026 (Afternoon–Evening): Initial search operations conducted; recovery delayed due to conditions.
• January 24, 2026 (Early Hours): Specialist dive teams recover the body, later identified as Conor Kinlan.
• January 24–27, 2026: Murder investigation launched; public appeals issued; patrols increased.
• January 30, 2026 (Scheduled): Post-mortem examination to determine cause of death.

As the investigation continues, Cambridgeshire Constabulary says further updates will be released when appropriate. For now, police stress that public cooperation may be crucial in establishing the full circumstances surrounding the death of Conor Kinlan.