THE body of a man found on Portland near Chesil Beach is that of missing man Nigel Day, police have confirmed.

Police, coastguard and paramedics were alerted to the discovery at 11.15am yesterday.

The body was found on the west coast of the island at Hallelujah Bay, near to Chesil Beach.

On Thursday, March 5, a bag of wet clothing and personal items belonging to Mr Day were found by a member of the public on Chesil Beach.

Officers were concerned Mr Day had entered the water and come to harm. A shoreline and offshore search was carried out, with the coastguard helicopter assisting officers on the ground but nothing was found.

Police have today confirmed that the body found is that of Mr Day.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “On Sunday March 15 at around 11.15am, the body of man was found washed up on the west coast of Portland, in a place known as 'Hallelujah Bay'.

“The man was pronounced dead at the scene and the body has been taken away for formal identification. It is believed to be the body of missing Weymouth man Nigel Day. His next of kin and the coroner have been informed.

“Officers are not treating the circumstances of this death as suspicious.

“Dorset Police thank the public for their patience whilst recovery of the body took place with the coastguard and ambulance services.”

More to follow.