THE body of a man thought to be in his 60s has been found on grassland near the A64.

The slip road on to the road was still closed this morning after two men on walking in the area found the body.

Police said they were not treating the incident as suspicious.

The two local men were on grassland next to the eastbound section of the road just after 2pm yesterday when they came across the body.

At the scene, Detective Inspector Steve Taylor, from York Police, said: "Two local men who were out ferreting for rabbits found the body at about 2.20pm.

"There are no details about the body as yet. We do not know how long the body has been there - it might have been a week or so.

"It is believed the man is in his early 60s."

A post mortem examination was due to take place today. A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said the area would remain cordoned off until the post mortem had taken place to preserve the scene.

A 65-year-old York man was still missing from his home today.

Peter Garrick, who suffers from medical problems, is described as about 5ft 9ins balding with grey hair, and with blue eyes.

He is of thin build, and speaks with a deep voice and an Irish accent.

He has been missing from his address in North Street since last Monday, and was last seen wearing a donkey jacket and dark trousers, with a blue or black checked shirt.

Anyone who has seen him is asked to phone York Police on 01904 631321.

Updated: 10:47 Friday, February 06, 2004