The family of a 60-year-old man who was tragically found dead in the Thames near York House Gardens last Thursday are appealing for more information to help piece together his final hours.

Bernard 'Bernie' Polley, who lived with his girlfriend in the Hanworth/Whitton area, was found in the river at 4.04pm on Thursday, June 10.

His brother Joe Polley described him as a 5'11, thin man, with red/grey hair and very pale skin.

He was wearing a jacket, trousers and trainers when he was found.

Joe told Nub News: "He was a quiet fellow, pretty much kept himself to himself.

"He had a small group of friends, he was quite quiet."

Bernie, a non-swimmer, was last seen at Wednesday lunchtime in Hounslow, and last spoke to his girlfriend on his mobile on Wednesday evening.

Joe is appealing for information about Bernie's whereabouts between Wednesday June 9 and Thursday June 10, particularly around the banks of the Thames in Twickenham.

He said: "There is no information as to how, when, or indeed where he went in.

"It could have been any one of three things that led him into the water that day: either he fell in, or he jumped in, or he was pushed in.

Joe said his brother was "reasonably healthy", and his movements last week are uncharacteristic.

He said: "He was a non-swimmer, so he never messed around in the river."

Bernie was found just after high tide which was at 3.55pm and reached 4.30m.

Joe said: "A member of the public saw him floating in the Thames near York House in Twickenham.

"I would very much like to thank that person who was kind enough to enter the water and hold onto Bernie until the rescue services to arrive.

"We very rarely get to hear of the courage and kindness of strangers."

Police say they are treating his death as non suspicious.

A statement said: "Police were called at 16:18hrs on Thursday, 10 June to a report of a body in the Thames around York House Gardens in Richmond.

"Officers attended along with colleagues from the London Ambulance Service and the RNLI.

"A 60-year-old male was later recovered from the water and was pronounced dead at the scene.

"The death is being treated as non-suspicious. Next of kin have been informed."

This was the second time last week that Bernie had been found in the Thames.

He was first recovered from the river in the early hours of Monday June 7, at the crossing by Bell Lane and Embankment in Twickenham.

A passerby heard him calling for help and called London Ambulance at 04:02am.

He was admitted to the Acute Medical Ward at West Middlesex Hospital, which he left on Tuesday afternoon.

Bernie's description:

- around 5'11

- red/grey hair

If you have any information or think you saw Bernie, contact Joe Polley on: 07876210824.