Northumbria Police have confirmed that a body found in Ponteland is believed to be that of missing 66-year-old Stuart, who was reported missing earlier on Tuesday (September 29). The discovery was made shortly before midnight, just hours after he was last seen.
Search launched after disappearance
Stuart had been reported missing around 10 hours before the body was found. He was last seen leaving his home in the Ponteland area between 1.45pm and 2pm on Tuesday afternoon, prompting a large-scale search by police.
In a statement issued at 2am on Wednesday (September 30), a force spokesperson said: “A body has sadly been found in the search for missing Northumberland man Stuart. The 66-year-old was last seen leaving his home in the Ponteland area between 1.45pm and 2pm yesterday (Tuesday).”
Police statement on discovery
The spokesperson added: “Since then, extensive enquiries have been carried out to locate Stuart. Shortly before midnight, a body was sadly found a short distance from where he was last seen.”
They continued: “While formal identification is yet to take place, it is believed to be Stuart and his next of kin have been informed. They are being supported by officers. We do not believe there to be any third-party involvement, and a report will now be prepared for the coroner.”
The spokesperson also said Northumbria Police’s “thoughts are firmly with Stuart’s family at this extremely difficult time.” No further details have been released, and a report is being prepared for the coroner.
