POLICE searching for a 22-year-old man who was reported missing yesterday have found a body, officers confirmed this afternoon.

Dean Robson was last seen at around 9.15pm on Sunday, when he left a friend’s house in Moorside, Consett saying he was going to work at the International Cuisine food factory in the town.

However, he did not show up and was reported missing the following day.

This morning, police said they were extremely concerned for his welfare and appealed for information on his whereabouts.

This afternoon Durham Police said a body has been found in the Moorside area of Consett.

The body was discovered in a wooded area at the end of Moorside Industrial Estate. A spokesman for the force said a post mortem examination will take place in due course.

Inspector Simon Orton, who is leading the inquiry, said: "No formal identification has been made at this stage and Mr Robson's family have been made aware of the developments this afternoon.

"I would like to thank the public for their support today, much appreciated."

Earlier, Insp Orton had said it was totally out of character for Mr Robson not to turn up at work. 

He said: “He usually walks to work and his family tell us that he knows the area like the back of his hand. It is possible that Dean may have had an accident on his way to work, perhaps as a result of taking a short cut.

“We are growing increasingly concerned for Dean and are keen to trace him as soon as possible.

“Dean is a very popular young man who works for the company International Cuisine where he is a well-respected member of staff."