POLICE searching for a missing person in rural North Yorkshire have found a man’s body.

Gerrard Burrell-Hodgson, 53, from Deighton, near Northallerton, has been missing since the morning of Monday (March 1).

Following an extensive search, a man’s body was found in a rural area north of Helmsley.

While a formal identification has yet to take place, Mr Burrell-Hodgson’s family has been informed.

Inspector Sarah Sanderson thanked all the members of the public who have helped and supported the family and police as they tried to locate Mr Burrell-Hodgson.

His family is now being supported by specially-trained officers.