POLICE have confirmed that David Huitson, the Pocklington man who was reported missing on Monday, has been found dead.

The body of a man was found in woodland north of Kilnwick Percy, to the east of York, on Friday night and formally identified as the missing 62-year-old.

Mr Huitson, of Springfield Road in Pocklington, who had Parkinson's disease, was reported missing to police at about 7pm on Monday, June 13, after he left to go for a walk at about 2.30pm did not return home.

Officers from Humberside Police were assisted by Swaledale Mountain Rescue in the search for Mr Huitson in fields around Wheatland Close before moving onto farmland near Burnby Lane, Pocklington.

The community were also supporting specialist police officers by volunteering to assist in other areas around the town, in a search which lasted four days.

Detective Inspector Tony Cockerill, the senior officer who led the search, said: "This had been a long and difficult search that has been painstakingly undertaken by large numbers of police officers and volunteers from the local community and other supporting agencies.

"Sadly Mr Huitson has not been found alive, but I would like to offer thanks to those who have supported the search and the Huitson family. The family have been moved by the public support for them and are currently been supported by trained officers".

The Huitson family also expressed their thanks to everyone who helped in the search and for the support provided to them.