Body of missing pensioner found

William Jones vanished last month

The body of a missing pensioner has been pulled from the River Wear - ending one of the largest and longest police searches in County Durham.

William Jones, 88, was last seen leaving his home in Ferryhill, on 16 October, for a daily walk.

The retired miner's body was identified by a relative after being found in the river in Durham City on Sunday.

A police spokesman said the death was not suspicious and tests would be carried out to reveal the cause.

Mr Jones' disappearance sparked a huge search that continued every day in and around the town.

Beat officers, specialist dog and police search units, local rescue teams, the RAF helicopter from Boulmer, police helicopter, and even a victim recovery dog from South Yorkshire were used in the search.

Posters and leaflets were also distributed throughout Ferryhill and the surrounding villages appealing for any information.

Police were called to the river in the Framwellgate and Millburngate area after a body was spotted. A fire crew helped officers in the recovery operation.

The pensioner's family have thanked volunteers, police officers and anyone else who took part in the search.