A BODY has been found in the hunt for a missing man.

A major multi-agency search mission was launched yesterday after the car of Ian Rowley, 58, from Chard in Somerset, was found abandoned in a layby and he failed to turn up for work.

Avon and Somerset Police confirmed that at 9.15am this morning, a body was found in the River Axe near to Chard Junction.

Avon and Somerset Police carried out an extensive search of the Chard area, close to the border with Dorset and Devon and Cornwall police force areas.

Formal identification has not yet taken place, but the family of Mr Rowley have been informed.

Mr Rowley, a postman, failed to turn up to work yesterday and his car was found unoccupied in the South Chard area near to the railway crossing. 

A major multi-agency search was launched in a bid to track Mr Rowley down, including police officers, police dogs, mounted officers and the police helicopter.

Firefighters from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service were also called in to help with the search.

Police officers from Dorset Police and Devon and Cornwall Police were also drafted in to help with the search mission, as well as firefighters from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.