Detectives treat death as suspicious

An investigation is continuing into the death of a Horden man whose body was found in woodland months after he was reported missing from his home.

DNA testing is being carried out to confirm the identity of the body found in Peterlee woodland, but officers believe it to be that of 51-year-old Gordon Marriott, who went missing from his home in January.

Durham Constabulary has confirmed detectives are currently treating the death as suspicious as the investigation continues.

Emergency services were called after two members of the public discovered the body close to the cricket pavilion in Peterlee Dene, Peterlee, on Friday, May 29.

Detective Chief Superintendent Adrian Green, who is leading the investigation, said: “The police activity has continued in the area all week while we work to establish the circumstances which led up to the body being found.

“Nobody deserves to die in such sad circumstances, so I would appeal for anyone who knows something that may help our investigation to come forward. While Mr Marriott may have lived a chaotic lifestyle, he has a family who care for him and need to understand what has happened to him. This will help them bring to a close the last six months of worry and concern.”

Police are asking for anyone with any information about Mr Marriott’s disappearance or how he came to be in Peterlee Dene to come forward and contact Durham Constabulary on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.