POLICE searching for a missing North-East teenager last night said they had recovered a body.

Kelvin Bradley, left, of Ferryhill, County Durham, was last seen in Newcastle on Saturday night in the area of St James’ Park and Leazes Park, where a police marine unit was yesterday searching a lake.

A Durham Police spokeswoman confirmed that a man’s body had been found in Newcastle city centre.

“Kelvin’s family have been informed of the development.

The body has not yet been formally identified.

“Durham Police would like to thank those who publicised Kelvin Bradley’s disappearance and also those members of the community who joined the search.”

His father, John, stepmother, Jill Middleton, and sisters, Sophie, 16, and Kirstie, 21, have made several appeals for information since the 18-year-old vanished five days ago.

His many friends have also posted messages on social networking sites Facebook and Twitter, urging him to get in touch.

Friends posting onelvin’s Facebook site last night said they were devastated, but hope that until the identity of the body is confirmed, he may still be found safe and well.

Peter Hammond wrote: “What sad, sad news, still fingers- crossed for you buddy – hope this latest news is nothing to do with you.”

Natasha Rose Scott posted: “Praying that it isn’t you Kelvin; please just come home safe.”

Kelvin recently started work with Hartlepool graphic design company Tower Design.

He had gone to Newcastle to meet friends for a drink.

Earlier yesterday, Chief Inspector Graham Milne appealed for two teenage girls who may have met him in Leazes Park at about 8pm to come forward.

He said: “We have received a report that a security guard working at St James’ Park had a brief conversation with two girls who were with a young man matching Kelvin’s description.

“The girls were standing to either side of the young man with their arms around him and walked off with him into Leazes Park.”

The girls were white, aged 15 or 16 and about 5ft 3in, and one wore a dark red, furry hat and a cream or brown knee-length coat.

Anyone with information has been asked to call police on 101 or 0191-386-1470.