Tragedy as body found in hunt for missing man last seen on CCTV in Staffordshire

Hayley Parker

12 November 2024 at 0:41 pm·1-min read

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)

A body has been found in the search for a missing man who disappeared in Staffordshire nearly one month ago. Michael Johnston, 32, went missing in the south of the county after 9am on October 17.

He was last seen on CCTV near the River Aire and Aire & Calder Navigation at Thwaite Lane, in Stourton. On Monday, West Yorkshire Police, who had been investigating his disappearance, confirmed a body has been found in woodland next to the River Aire.

The body was tragically found on Sunday, officers confirmed. The police force said that while formal identification is yet to take place, Mr Johnston's family has been informed.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "Officers searching for missing Leeds man Michael Johnston have found a body which is believed to him. At about 2.50pm on Sunday, officers involved in ongoing searches for Mr Johnston made the discovery in a wooded area of a footpath next to the River Aire near to Skelton Grange Road, Stourton.

"While formal identification is yet to take place, it is believed to be Mr Johnston, aged 32, who went missing on October 17. His family has been informed."

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