Dr Michael Mosley found dead on Greek island after search, police confirm

The body of TV doctor Michael Mosley has been recovered on the Greek island of Symi, local authorities have confirmed.

The 67-year-old vanished during a hike on the island of Symi on Wednesday. He left around 1.30pm that afternoon and his wife, Dr Clare Bailey, 62, raised the alarm when he didn't return by 7.30pm. Local police officers scoured the island, assisted by firefighters, and deployed drones to try to locate Dr Mosley’s whereabouts.

A body was found, police confirmed earlier today, at the Agia Marina on the island. Five firefighters left the island with the body on a stretcher at around 2.45pm local time, having arrived 35 minutes earlier.

Two young men watched from the bright blue waters and another group continued to play with a football as the white motorboat drove off. One jumped into the sea chasing the ball.

Holidaymakers clad in swimwear crowded along Agia Marina's stone wall overlooking the sea and some filmed the scene.

The Mirror reports it has been confirmed the body recovered was that of missing Dr Mosley. The Guardian said the island’s deputy mayor, Nikitas Grillas, told them: “I can confirm that it is him.”

A previous statement from Greek police said officers were informed about the "disappearance of the 67-year-old British national on the island" on Wednesday.

Earlier on Friday a CCTV image appeared to show Dr Mosley around the main road of Pedi on the island at 1.50pm on Wednesday, around 20 minutes after he is thought to have hiked a coastal route. The CCTV was shared by local site MEGA after being recovered by police who have been "combing" the island of Symi, where the presenter was holidaying.

Dr Mosley was best known for creating the 5:2 diet, as well as making a number of programmes about healthy eating and exercise. The broadcaster also fronted the Channel 4 show Michael Mosley: Who Made Britain Fat? and was part of the BBC series Trust Me, I'm A Doctor.

Dr Mosley leaves behind the four children he shares with his wife Clare Bailey Mosley, who is also a doctor, author and health columnist.