The body of a father-of-three who has been missing for two weeks has been pulled from the River Thames.

Nigel Armstrong, 58, was last seen by his 75-year-old mother before disappearing from Sutton home on Saturday, August 27.

His family had feared the worst after he sent heartbreaking farewell messages telling them “I need to go” and posted cheques for thousands of pounds to his three daughters.

Police this afternoon said a body recovered from the Thames on Sunday, August 28, had been identified formally as Mr Armstrong.

His family have been informed.

Detectives said they became increasingly concerned for Mr Armstrong’s welfare after he sent money and messages to his family, who he told: “I don’t like this world” and “I need to go.”

In another message, he said: “I love you and please understand that now I am so very tired.”

Officers carried out intensive searches at locations in Sutton and Banstead that Mr Armstrong was known to regularly visit, as well as hospitals and doctors’ surgeries.

Police also called airports and border controls for information.

Southwark detectives are investigation his death, which is not being treated as suspicious.