POLICE have confirmed that a body found in a wooded area near Ripon is that of missing part-time gamekeeper Ian Simpkin.
Mr Simpkin, 36, was reported missing on January 4 when he failed to return from a walk. Despite a search involving police officers, a search and rescue team and villagers from the village of Wath where Mr Simpkin lived, no trace of him could be found.
His body was eventually discovered by police in an isolated wooded area around two miles from Wath.
North Yorkshire Police said there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
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