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.”