Police have discovered a body in a river in the search of a missing 71-year-old North East man today.

The body of John Holmes was found in the River Tees at Grisby, near Dinsdale, on Saturday, December 17.

Formal identification of the body has since taken place which sadly confirmed the body to be that of Mr Holmes.

His death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file is being prepared for the coroner.

A spokesperson for Durham Constabulary said: “Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

“We would like to thank everyone who assisted with the search for Mr Holmes, in particular Teesdale and Weardale Search and Mountain Rescue Team.

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