POLICE have now informed the family of a driver they suspect jumped to his death from the QE2 Bridge.

Essex police made the conformation this morning but are yet to release any further details. A body has still not been discovered despite a search of the Thames.

The alarm was raised on Wednesday, shortly after 2pm, when bridge operators Le Crossing discovered a Mercedes van pulled over to the side of the bridge about half way across. A note was discovered by police in the unlocked van.

The London Coast Guard coordinated a two-hour search of the Thames and a police helicopter was enlisted in a bid to find a body.

A Gravesend lifeboat was also called out to assist in the search.