A body believed to that of missing man James Middleton has been found.

The body was found around 1pm on Sunday (February 11) by a members of the Sussex Community Search Team in the Ashtead common area. A blue mobility scooter was found near the body.

James Middleton – known as Jim – was last seen at midday on Sunday, July 2, when he left the Wells Estate on his mobility scooter heading towards Stew Ponds and the Christ Church Road area.

Numerous searches have been carried out since then by specialist search trained police officers, Surrey and Sussex Search and Rescue volunteers, other specialist units, Jim’s family and friends and the local community.

A Facebook group, Find James Middleton, was set up after his disappearance, with residents searching nearby roads and fields and handing out thousands of ‘missing person’ flyers.

A search was launched on January 22 due to seasonal changes, with vegetation being less dense at this time of year.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Preston said: “We are investigating the circumstances of this discovery – however, we do believe the body to be that of missing man Jim Middleton.

“At this time, we are continuing to treat his death as unexplained and further updates will be issued in due course.

“His family has been informed and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

“We would like to thank all the volunteers, Jim’s family and friends and the local community for assisting with the search, providing us with information and their continued support.”