A BODY has been found in the search for a missing Thurrock man.

Police officers have suspended their search for Valentin Kachanov, 27, of West Thurrock, after finding a body in the water at around 1pm on Thursday near Wouldham Road, Grays.

The body is yet to be identified, but Mr Kachanov’s family have been informed that the search has been suspended.

Formal identification and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

Mr Kachanov has not been seen since February 8, having last been in contact with his family at 7.40pm and being spotted in the Lakeside Shopping Centre at 10am.

At the start of this month, police began treating the incident as a murder case.

A 22-year-old man from Grays, arrested on suspicion of murder in relation to Valentin’s disappearance, remains on bail as police enquiries continue.

Anyone with information should call the North Major Crime team on 101 or email scd.appeals.essex@essex.pnn.police.uk

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.