THE decomposing bodies of three dogs have been found by police investigating the disappearance of a 38-year-old man.

Officers were called to the house in Ailesbury Street, Millfield, Sunderland, on Monday.

The dead dogs were found at the rear of the property.

A 38-year-old man who had previously lived at the address was subsequently found dead in the village of Hadston near Druridge Bay, Northumberland.

Police believe no-one else was involved in the man’s death.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “On Monday morning, police were made aware of a 38-year-old man who was reported as missing.

“Attempts to locate him led officers to an address at Druridge Bay, Hadston, where a body was found.

“There is not believed to be any third party involvement and a report has been prepared for the coroner.

“As part of their enquiries, police also searched an address linked to the deceased on Ailesbury Street, Sunderland, and found the decomposed bodies of three dogs.”