PEOPLE have been paying tribute to a Kidlington man after police found what is thought to be his body earlier today.
Friends and volunteers who helped in the search for Alfred Frank Markham, known as Frank, said they were devastated by the news.
Mr Markham had been missing from an address in Kidlington since Monday and members of the public have been out helping police search teams in all weather conditions since then.
But earlier a body was found in the River Cherwell near St Mary’s Church in Kidlington with police confirming they believe it is that of the 81-year-old.
A former pub landlord, Mr Markham has been described as a 'kindly old gent' and a 'lovely, friendly man' on Facebook.
David Gardner wrote: "No no no, I have known Alfred for only a few years as a passenger on my bus. One of the most friendliest, along with his wife, people you could wish to meet anywhere - always had a smile.
"I have a heavy heart today after this awful news. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Amy Natasha said she used to swim with him and his wife every day.
She added: "Absolutely devasting news. God bless him."
Others remembered his time running the The Black's Head pub in the village of Bletchingdon.
On the Oxford Mail's website commenter Janet Bull wrote: "I am so sorry to hear this. Our sympathies to Mr Markham's family. Sad indeed."
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