A WAR veteran who was missing from his home has been found dead in woodland.

The man, Daniel “Danny” Johnston, 35, vanished from his home on Sunday while staying with his family in Macklin Road, Bognor.

He told his mother he was going out but did not return.

When his family did not hear back from him, they contacted Sussex Police who sent out an appeal.

His family believed he was heading to Hampshire at the time.

Police found his body in Stoughton Down, Chichester where he was declared dead at the scene on Wednesday.

The death is being treated as unexplained but there are currently no suspicious circumstances.

Sussex Police are not looking for anyone in connection with the death of Mr Johnston.

Family and friends paid tribute to Mr Johnston who had served in Afghanistan, Iraq and Bosnia during his Army career.

His disappearance sparked a search operation by 30 volunteers who searched in Sussex and Hampshire.

Coronation Street actor Antony Cotton, 42, who plays Sean Tully wrote on Twitter: “With the heaviest heart, I tweet about Danny Johnston, whose body was found at midday today [Wednesday, May 23].

“Gutted for him, his loved ones and his military family.

“The struggle with mental health is real.

“So sad that he never got to see the support that was out there for him. Rest easy, soldier.”

Many of his followers were touched by the tributes and were devastated to learn of the death of Mr Johnston.

One of the organisers of the search, Military Cross holder Trevor Coult, tweeted: “It is with the greatest sadness that I inform you that Danny’s body was found despite the massive effort from PWRR Veterans searchers. RIP Danny.”

Mr Johnston’s brother, Lucas, wrote on Facebook: “I would like to thank everyone who shared posts, and was in the search party for Danny.

“Unfortunately my best friend and big brother was found dead.

“Thank you to the people in the search for Danny, but at the minute I am a little lost. Big up Danny J.”

A friend of Mr Johnston, Adam Lloyd, who had served in the Army with him, wrote on Facebook: “RIP Danny Johnston. Thoughts go out to Lucas Johnston and his family.

“The best soldier I’ve had the pleasure of serving with and the most charismatic bloke I have ever met.

“Thanks to everyone for your efforts in locating this hero.

“A prime example of how loved this fine warrior was by everyone that crossed his path.”

Samantha Ramm wrote on Facebook: “Such devastating news to hear that Danny Johnston has been found, but not in the way that everyone had wished for.

“The support seen from everyone pulling together to try and find Danny was absolutely lovely to see.

“It goes to show that Bognor isn’t too bad after all.

“Thoughts are with Lucas Johnston and your family. RIP Danny.”

Inspector Roy Hodder of the Missing Persons team said: “We would like to express our condolences to the family and friends of Daniel Johnston at this difficult time.

“We would like to extend our thanks to family and friends of Daniel who volunteered to assist us in the search for him.”