Body found in search for missing 86-year-old man

Geoffrey Whitfield went missing from his home in Warrington on Thursday

A body has been discovered in the River Mersey as part of the search for an 86-year-old man who went missing two days ago.

Cheshire Police said Geoffrey Whitfield was reported as missing from his home in Latchford, Warrington, at 10:00 GMT on Thursday.

A major search involving divers, local residents and other volunteers took place before the body was found in the river earlier at about 12:00 GMT.

Insp Nick Bamber said: "Sadly, this is not the outcome that we were hoping for and our thoughts are with Geoffrey's family at this difficult time."

"I would also like to thank everyone who has assisted with the search for Geoffrey, including local residents, the Northwest Underwater Search Team, Warrington Council, and all the volunteers from Cheshire Search and Rescue," he added.

A formal identification of the body has not yet taken place, but it is believed to be that of Mr Whitfield, a police spokesman said.

The death was not being treated as suspicious, he added.

Mr Whitfield's family have been informed and they have been supported by specialist officers.

They asked that "their privacy be respected at this difficult time," the force spokesman said.