'Absolutely heartbroken': Tributes paid to missing man after body found

Author: Ally McGilvrayPublished 11th Sep 2023

Tributes are being paid to a 53-year-old man reported missing in Northumberland after police officers searching for him found a body.

John Black, who was last seen in Otterburn on Wednesday, was formally reported missing on Friday.

And locals joined emergency teams in scouring the area in a desperate bid to find him.

Last night (Sunday), Northumbria Police confirmed a body of a man has been found near Bagraw Burn - around three miles away.

Formal identification is yet to take place but officers say John's next of kin have been notified and are currently being supported by specialist officers.

A spokesperson for the force said: "This is an extremely sad conclusion to the search and we want to thank everyone who helped by sharing appeals, searching the area and those who have phoned with possible sightings.

"We do not believe there to be any third party involvement and once formal identification has been completed a report will be prepared for the coroner."

READ MORE: Police find car reported stolen in Borders - but second vehicle remains missing

A number of people have taken to social media to pay tribute to John, also known as "jowb".

One described him as a "great dad, grandad and bloke", another added he was an "amazing guy".

A third said: "Absolutely heartbroken. John was such a lovely (person) and he was so happy when I saw him a few weeks ago."

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