Officers searching for a missing Padiham man have sadly found a body.

The body of a man has been located in a wooded area off Grove Lane, Padiham, around 1pm today (May 16).

Although no formal identification has taken place, we believe it to be Peter Beason who was reported missing from Padiham in March.

Mr Beason’s next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this distressing time.

Mr Beason’s death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be passed to HM Coroner in due course.