Police searching for a well-known non league footballer have sadly found a body.

Former Harrogate, Chorley and Bury FC player James Dean, 35, was last seen in the Orchard Drive area of Oswaldtwistle at around midnight on Wednesday (May 5).

Following extensive police enquiries, a body has sadly been found in the Moscow Mill Street area around 2.25pm today (Sunday, May 9).

While the body has yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be Mr Dean.

A police spokesman said: "His family have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this time."

Mr Dean, who also played for Chorley, Harrogate and FC Halifax Town, enjoyed a prolific career, playing for some of region's biggest non-League clubs and had several promotions on his resume.

He scored 60 goals in 130 appearances for Chorley, many in the Vanarama National League North.

The 6`3” forward also played for Altrincham, Warrington Town, Ashton United, AFC Fylde and Stalybridge Celtic.

A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: "The death is not being treated as suspicious and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

"We would like to thank everyone who assisted during the search for James."