Body found at coastal spot in search for missing man
Police searching for a man who went missing from home have confirmed they have found a body.
James “Jimmy” Huntington was reported missing on Sunday morning, leading the emergency services to look for the 60-year-old along the coast.
Yesterday afternoon, police confirmed a body had been found as part of the effort.
A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: “We’re sorry to report a body has been found in the search for missing man, James ‘Jimmy’ Huntington.
“The body was found on the beach at Easington Colliery at about 11.15am yesterday.
“Formal identification has yet to take place, however, it is believed to be the body of Mr Huntington. His family have been informed.”
Mr Huntington is believed to have left his home in Keating Close, Blackhall Colliery, at about 8.30am on Sunday.
A search plan was organised and Hartlepool Coastguard searched the beach from Easington up to Hawthorn, with Seaham’s team also drafted in to cover the clifftops from Easington to Hawthorn Viaduct.
The service’s helicopter was used at one stage, covering an area from Seaham to Blackhall.
Police dogs were also part of the operation, as was a mountain rescue team, which conducted a check round the Hawthorn Dene.
Anyone with any information which could help police with ongoing inquiries can call 101, quoting incident number 319 of January 21.