POLICE searching for a missing man have reported that a body has been found.
Durham Constabulary launched a search for Peter Birch after he left his parents’ address in Stanley at 2am on Monday.
The discovery was made in the same area on Monday evening.
A spokesman for the force said: “We are saddened to report that a body has been found in the search for Peter Birch.
“The body of a man was recovered from the Stanley area yesterday evening.
“Formal identification has yet to take place, but we believe it to be that of the 40-year-old.”
An inquest will be carried out into the circumstances of the man’s death.
The police spokesman added: “Peter’s family have been informed and supported by police.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here