POLICE believe a body found near Crewe Hall is that of missing man Josef Skrdlant.

The body was discovered by a member of the public in a wooded area shortly before 9am today (Thursday).

Formal identification has not yet taken place, but a Cheshire Police spokesperson said it is believed to be that of Mr Skrdlant, who has not been seen since leaving his home near Queens Park on February 19.

His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

A spokesperson said: "The death is not believed to be suspicious."

After the 51-year-old's disappearance nearly three weeks ago, police mounted a large-scale operation to track the Czech national who had links with Bradford and Birmingham..

That included using the regional underwater search team to comb Queens Park lake and the deployment of a cave rescue team to scour culverts running off the water course of the park.

A case file will be prepared for the coroner.