A body has been discovered in the search for a British man who vanished after speaking to his family on Christmas Day.
Last contact on Christmas morning
Mark Counsell, a 31-year-old man from Pontypool in South Wales, was travelling through south-east Asia when he made his last known contact. His family saw and spoke to him during a FaceTime video call on the morning of December 25.
When further communication ceased, concern grew for his welfare. Gwent Police subsequently launched an appeal to find him, stating he was believed to be in either Thailand or the Kuala Lumpur area of Malaysia.
Discovery by Malaysian authorities
The search took a tragic turn this week. On Thursday, a spokesperson for Gwent Police confirmed that Malaysian Police had found the body of a man on Wednesday, January 7.
While formal identification procedures are still pending, the family of Mark Counsell have been informed of the development. The force stated that the death is not being treated as suspicious.
Police statement and family support
In their official statement, Gwent Police extended their sympathies, saying: "Our thoughts are with Mark's family and friends at this difficult time."
The discovery brings a devastating conclusion to an international search that began after the festive period. Authorities have not released further details regarding the location or circumstances of the discovery at this stage.
