A BODY found in a County Durham village is thought to be that of a man who went missing from home nearly six months ago.

Durham police confirmed that a body was found in the Witton Park area, near Bishop Auckland, and that the family of missing man Norman Peter Lamb has now been informed.

Mr Lamb, from Bishop Auckland, was reported missing in June.

The last known sighting of the 51-year-old had been at Sainsbury’s in St Helen Auckland at 10.13am on June 29.

Police launched an “extensive and thorough investigation” to try and trace him and believed it was possible that he had found work on farm, on a board and lodgings basis.

But his family, who were devastated at his disappearance, have now been informed about the discovery of a body.

A spokeswoman for Durham Constabulary said: “We regret to report a body has been found in the Witton Park area.

“Formal identification has yet to take place, but the family of missing Bishop Auckland man Norman Peter Lamb have been informed.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report is being prepared for the coroner.”

Read more: Life sentence for man who attacked partner and two girls at County Durham house

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054