Body found in search for missing West Country man

The family of a man who was reported missing this morning are being supported by police after his body was found in the River Avon four hours later.

Police in Chippenham, Wiltshire, issued an urgent appeal this morning to help find an 81-year-old man named Michael, who was reported missing from his home on Greenway Lane in the town at around 6am .

But the search was called off when a body was found in the River Avon a short distance away.

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Police previously issued a description of the 81-year-old man and said he was last seen at home at 6am on Saturday 11 May. They put out an urgent appeal for the people of the town to find him as he was without his medication. Tragically, he was found at around 10.30am and pronounced dead at the scene.

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: “We can confirm that a body has been found in the search for missing Chippenham man Michael. Michael, 81, was reported missing this morning from his home off Greenway Lane.

“Officers have been carrying out inquiries since the initial report and unfortunately a body was found at 10.30am. We do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances at this early stage. Michael’s family have been informed and are being supported by officers. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time,” she added.