POLICE searching for a missing man have confirmed that a body has been found in County Durham.

A search operation was launched after Joe Thompson, from Stockton, was reported missing yesterday morning.

At that time the 22-year-old had last been seen in the area of Rievaulx Close, in Stockton.

His car was later found in the Gainford area, between Darlington and Barnard Castle, and the search focused around that area. 

It has now been confirmed that a man's body was found in the Durham area last night.

A spokesperson for Durham Police said: "Whilst no formal identification has yet taken place, the family of 22-year-old Joe Thompson have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

"The death is not currently being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the Coroner."

 

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