A SECURITY officer's body was found by a passer-by off Botley Road three months after he was reported missing.

Trae Van Merlin's concerned landlady called police in November last year after she had not seen her tenant for several days, an inquest into his death heard on Tuesday.

Almost three months later on Sunday, February 7, the 42-year-old's body was found by Richard Linsey-Hood underneath an electricity pylon on land adjacent to the Botley Road.

Reading Mr Linsey-Hood's statement to Oxford Coroner's Court, senior coroner for Oxfordshire, Darren Salter, said the body was found at 3.33pm.

When Mr Van Merlin, previously known as Bernard Mcadam, was first reported missing police searched the room he rented in Helen Road and used sniffer dogs for their investigation.

Speaking at the inquest, detective constable Christopher Gulvin, said officers had even searched parts of London for Mr Van Merlin.

He said: "It was an extensive investigation.

"We extended our enquiries to London where he had a few addresses.

"But the area where he was found is almost an island effectively, and that specific area was not searched."

Mr Salter recorded a verdict of suicide.

He said: "It seems to me, in terms of date of death, I think I can say he died on or about November 16, which was the date he was last seen."