Heartbreak as body found in search for missing County Durham man Paul Smurthwaite

Daniel Hall

15 November 2024 at 2:28 pm·1-min read

A body has been found in the search for missing Durham man Paul Smurthwaite, police have confirmed.

Formal identification is yet to take place, but Durham Constabulary believe the body to be that of the missing 53-year-old.

Mr Smurthwaite's family have been informed, and the death is not being treated as suspicious. Police are preparing a file for the coroner.

A spokesperson for Durham Constabulary said: "We are sorry to announce that a body has been found in the search for missing Durham man, Paul. Formal identification has yet to take place, but the family of the 53-year-old have been informed.

"Our thoughts are with them all at this difficult time. Paul’s family would like to thank members of the public for their kindness during the search – the countless messages of support have provided them great comfort during what has been, and continues to be, an extremely difficult time for them all."

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