Five men arrested on suspicion of the murder of missing Darlington man, Alan Youngson

Officers looking for 25-year-old Mr Youngson, who has not been seen since August 15, found a man’s body buried in woodland near Jedburgh Drive, in Darlington, close to the A1 motorway on Monday (October 7).

Although no formal identification has been made, police are continuing the investigation on the basis that the body found in the woods near the Branksome estate, in Darlington, is Mr Youngson.

The five men are aged between 28 and 38 and are from the Branksome, Cockerton and North Road areas of Darlington.

They are currently being held in custody at police stations across County Durham and are helping police with their inquiries.

The man leading the investigation, Detective Superintendent Kevin Weir said: "Although we are still working to formally identify the body we found on Monday evening we are pursuing this investigation on the assumption that it is Alan and his family have been informed of this.

Crime scene investigators search a house in the North Road area of the town as part of the inquiry

"This morning my officers have arrested five local men in connection with Alan’s murder and they are currently in police custody.

“My investigation team are continuing to work hard in pursuing a number of lines of enquiry aimed at bringing those responsible for Alan’s death to justice.

"Forensic examinations and searches of the area where the body was found continue and my officers will be out in the local area carrying out house to house enquiries and offering reassurance to members of the community.

"Something like this happening in any community is shocking and upsetting but I would like to take this opportunity to reassure people that we believe this to be an isolated incident and that people should not be worried or concerned. I would urge anyone with any information that may help us to get in touch”

Police can be contacted on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.