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

Michael Johnston, 32, was last seen near the River Aire in Stourton, South Staffordshire, on October 17. At the weekend, West Yorkshire Police found a body in woodland

A body has been found in the search for a missing man who disappeared nearly one month ago and was last seen on CCTV.

Michael Johnston, 32, went missing in Staffordshire 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 yesterday: "Officers searching for missing Leeds man Michael Johnston have found a body which is believed to him. At about 2.50pm yesterday, 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."