POLICE have confirmed they have found a body of a man in Grays.

Officers searching for missing man Bradley Arthur found a body just before 11am in a drainage dyke off Manor Road.

The body has yet to be identified but the search has been suspended and Bradley’s family has been informed.

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Baxter, who has been leading the search for Brad said: "The body has not been formally identified at this time but we have suspended our search for Bradley. His family have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this very distressing time.

“We would like to thank everyone who has assisted in the search for Bradley, especially those people who helped officers carry out searches in the Grays area and also the media and the many people who offered information through our appeals on social media.”

DCI Baxter said that the death is currently being treated as unexplained.

Bradley, 24, of Drake Road, Chafford Hundred, was last seen with friends at a house in Grove Road, Grays. He left there at around 3.30am on Thursday, January 1.

The police helicopter has been seen hovering above Grays in previous days and police have been encouraging people to check their gardens, sheds, and garages as concerns for the father grow.

A Facebook page called Find Brad Arthur has gathered over 30,000 followers since the weekend, with hundreds of people joining police in the search for Brad around Grays and Chafford Hundred.

A picture of Brad’s son Archie wearing a top with a picture of Brad and the phrase “Please find my daddy!” was posted online earlier today in an effort to raise awareness of the search.

A friend of Brad's, Naomi Conn, 23, told the Thurrock Gazette that Archie was in his thoughts on New Year's Eve.

She said: "He spoke about his baby and how happy he is being a dad."