Body found in hunt for pensioner who went missing

POLICE investigating the disappearance of a pensioner from Cheshire have found a body.

Keith Taylor was last seen leaving his home in Warrington on the morning of December 15.

The 76-year-old was reported missing by his family later that day when failed to return.

An extensive search was launched – which also focused on parts of Bolton and Leigh – and Cheshire Police issued a desperate appeal for help to find him.

On January 11, officers recovered a body from the River Mersey, near to Wharf Street, in Fairfield and Howley, Warrington.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said that although formal identification is yet to take place, it is believed to be that of Mr Taylor.

Mr Taylor’s family have been informed of the discovery and they were being supported by specialist officers.

Det Insp Helena Banusic, of Warrington CID, said: “At this stage we believe the body is that of Keith and I understand the local community will be upset by this development. Our thoughts remain with the family and specialist support remains in place while we establish the identity of the body.

“I am extremely grateful to the public and the media for all the help and support they have provided. The focus of the investigation will now be on the circumstances of Keith’s disappearance and officers will be conducting house-to-house and CCTV enquiries around Kingsway North due to a sighting of Keith around 10am in that area.

“I would ask anyone who has any information, in particular around Keith’s last known location, to contact us on 101.”