A MAN who went missing on Christmas Eve has been found dead.

Lee Bartlett, 41, was due to spend Christmas with his family in Witton Gilbert, near Durham, but failed to return after going out to meet a friend.

His family said his disappearance was out of character and they were concerned for his welfare.

He was found fit and well on Saturday, January 16.

Today (Friday, January 29), police said he was found dead at a house in the Avenues area of Chester-le-Street on Tuesday lunchtime (January 26). He was discovered by a friend in the living room.

It is thought he had left the house the night before to attend a party and returned later, but without saying where he had been.

Durham Police want to trace Mr Bartlett’s movements on the night before his death.

Detective Sergeant Scott Jameson, of Stanley CID, said: “Lee’s death is not believed to be suspicious but I really need to know where he had been on Monday evening.”

Mr Bartlett was thought to be wearing a light grey Superdry jacket with orange writing and dark tracksuit bottoms at the time. This clothing is now missing.

Anyone with information on Mr Bartlett’s movements is asked to call Durham Police on 101.