DETECTIVES have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of a man’s body in Darlington.

Officers looking for missing 25-year-old Alan Youngson, who has not been seen since August, found the yet-to-be identified body buried in a wooded area on the outskirts of the town on Tuesday evening.

The body was found in the Branksome area of the town, at the end of Jedburgh Drive, towards the A1(M) and officers are working to confirm the identity.

Detective Superintendent Kevin Weir, senior investigating officer, said: “The investigation is in its very early stages, with our current key line of inquiry to formally identify this man.

“Alan Youngson currently remains a missing person and work is ongoing to establish his whereabouts.

“The area where the man was found remains cordoned off to allow a full forensic examination and CID officers will be carrying out house-to-house inquiries in the Branksome area, near to where the body was found.”

Det Supt Weir added that Mr Youngson’s family are being kept up to date with developments and supported by officers.

He said: “I would like to reassure the community in Darlington that a dedicated team of officers is working hard on this investigation, to ensure that those responsible for this man’s death are brought to justice.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, or Crimestoppers, on 0800-555-111.