POLICE are "almost certain" the body found by the River Adur is that of a pensioner who has been missing for three months.

Officers from Sussex Police believe the body discovered in a drainage ditch of Sunday is that of Michael Mauger who had not been seen since June 27.

Mr Mauger was last seen in Bramber village by a friend and a man fitting his description was spotted on July 2.

His bag was found by the Adur near his mobile home sparking a search operation in Upper Beeding by 30 search and rescue personal, two teams of rescue dogs, and crews from West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

But a body was discovered in a ditch just off the Steyning bypass on October 4 and yesterday police confirmed they believe it is him.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "It is almost certain that the body is that of Michael Mauger who disappeared from Bramber in July, and was the subject of publicity and intensive searches at that time.

"A postmortem has taken place but further tests are needed in order to help establish cause of death, and identity.

"An inquest has not yet been opened. The death is still not being treated as suspicious.

"The family members of Mr Mauger are aware of the current position."