THE BODY of a missing man has been found in a woodland in west Dorset.

Derek Richard Powell, 45, was last seen at his home in Anning Road in Lyme Regis at around 8.30am on Monday, March 20. He was known to be upset at the time and officers were increasingly concerned for his welfare.

Derek’s vehicle, a red Citroen Berlingo van, was found on Tuesday morning in a lay-by in the Monkton Wyld area and officers conducted a search of nearby woodland, assisted by the NPAS helicopter.

A police spokesman said: “At 9.15am today, Wednesday 22 March 2017, Dorset Police received a report of a body found in woodland in the Monkton Wyld area of West Dorset.

“The body is believed to be that of missing Lyme Regis man Derek Richard Powell. His family have been informed of the discovery and the coroner has been notified.

“His death is not being treated as suspicious and our thoughts are with Derek’s family at this difficult time.”