The family of a man whose body was found in the River Lea have said threats have been made to their supporters.

Father-of-two Ambrose Ball had not been seen since January 24 after a night out at The Fox pub in Green Lanes, Palmers Green.

His body was found in the River Lea at New Cut on Wednesday.

A post-mortem proved inconclusive and the 31-year-old’s death is currently being treated by police as unexplained.

Writing on Facebook, his aunt Alexandria Harrison said: "On Monday/Tuesday we reported receiving threats and the police were informed of the nature of these threats.

"The police phoned us four times between Monday and Tuesday to try and get to talk with us. 

"We decided not to for reasons we can't disclose here. The last time we heard from the police was on Tuesday." 

In the early hours of January 24, a car belonging to Mr Ball, also known as Jay, was found on the border of Tottenham and Walthamstow after a serious accident.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Ambrose Ball went missing in January.

A post-mortem proved inconclusive and the 31-year-old’s death is currently being treated by police as unexplained.

Ms Harrison also described the trauma of going to identify Mr Ball with his mother Ruth, who previously made a public appeal for information about her son.

She said: "Yesterday Ruth and I went to the mortuary with the intention of seeing Ambrose.

“When we arrived, we were told that the state of the body was so badly decomposed that it would be really hard to make a visual ID.

“Apparently the body and the surrounding area were wrapped in plastic, lifted and then taken to the morgue.

"To be truthful yesterday was one of the hardest, if not the hardest day we have suffered emotionally.

"I think we are now beginning to struggle mentally and emotionally, but hopefully today we will both find the strength we need to continue to get justice for Ambrose."

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Ambrose Ball's car was found near Walthamstow.

Ms Harrison added that the family have a number of questions over the circumstances of the disappearance.

She continued: "The one thing that struck us straight way is the fact that Ambrose was wearing his jacket.

"Bearing that in mind are we expected to believe is that Ambrose, following a serious crash, went to the back of the car and went into the boot, took his jacket out, closed the boot and then ran away, before dumping that jacket right by the river.

"So Ambrose took a jacket he never needed but left his phone?"

Ms Harrison also confirmed that someone had been interviewed in prison over the death and said the family would continue to push for answers.

"If they think that the discovery of Ambrose’s body is going to bring this search for the truth to an end, they couldn't have been further from the truth," she added.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Haringey police on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Ambrose's mother Ruth made an appeal for information about her missing son.