A BODY has been found in the search for an elderly man who went missing from Kidlington on Monday. 

Officers searching for Alfred Frank Markham, 81, have located the body of a man in the River Cherwell this afternoon. 

Although formal identification is yet to take place, the man is believed to be Mr Markham and his next of kin have been informed. 

The death is being treated as unexplained, but is not believed to be suspicious.

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Chief Inspector Emma Garside, the Deputy LPA commander for Cherwell, said: “Officers have been carrying out extensive search activity to attempt to locate Frank.

“Sadly a man’s body has now been found by those searching for Mr Markham.

“His next of kin have been informed and are being offered support.

“I would like to thank everyone who assisted us in our missing persons investigation."

Mr Markham was reported missing after last being seen at an address in Freeborn Close, Kidlington, at 2pm on Monday.

Police and volunteer search teams, including the police helicopter, have been out working to locate him for the last three days.

The body was found in the river near to St Mary’s Church in Kidlington, police said.

Chief Inspector Garside added: “Members of the community have helped us in our enquiries and many people shared our appeal on social media and I would like to pass on my appreciation for their support.

“It is with great sadness that I have to inform everyone of this tragic outcome.”