A body has been found in the search for a North East man who was reported missing at the weekend.

Richard Henry, 40, of Rowlands Gill in Gateshead was reported missing on March 2.

Since then, police have carried out extensive searches to locate Richard, known to his friends and family as Rich.

Tragically, a body was found yesterday afternoon (March 4) in the Simonburn Avenue area of Fenham, Newcastle.

Formal identification has not yet taken place but officers believe it to be Richard.

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Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Fenney-Menzies, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is an incredibly sad outcome and our thoughts are with Richard’s loved-ones at this time.

“We will continue to support them in any way we can and we ask that their privacy is respected.

“We thank everyone who shared our appeals, provided information and supported our search for Richard.”