Police hunting 69-year-old man last seen ‘being swept out to sea with his beloved pet dog on late-night’ walk find a body
- Gareth Jones, 69, was reported missing on Saturday from home in Hove, Sussex
- Police found CCTV appearing to show Mr Jones and his dog being swept by sea
- Gareth’s dog was found dead at a beach in Brighton on Monday, police revealed
- Now a body, believed to be Mr Jones, has been recovered from nearby Seaford
Police searching for a missing man who they believe was last seen being swept out to sea while taking his beloved pet dog on a late night walk say they have body.
Officers launched a major search operation, involving lifeguard and coastguard crews, after Gareth Jones went missing near to his home in Hove, East Sussex on Saturday.
Police became increasingly concerned for the 69-year-old after watching CCTV which they believed showed Mr Jones and his cockapoo Connie being swept out into the water.
Gareth’s dog, described by his family as his ‘best friend’, was found dead on the beach in Brighton on Monday.
Now officers say they have recovered the body of a man near Seaford – several miles east of Hove. Police believe the body is that of Mr Jones.
Officers launched a major search operation, involving lifeguard and coastguard crews, after Gareth Jones (pictured) went missing near to his home in Hove, East Sussex on Saturday
Gareth’s dog, described by his family as his ‘best friend’, was found dead on the beach in Brighton on Monday
A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: ‘We have recovered a body from near the water’s edge at Tide Mills.
‘A member of the public alerted police at 8.56am on Tuesday (January 19) to the body of a man on the beach near Seaford.
‘Sadly, police believe the body to be that of missing 69-year-old Gareth Jones from Hove. His family have been made aware.
‘There are no suspicious circumstances and the coroner’s office has been informed.
‘Gareth’s dog was also sadly found deceased on the beach in Brighton on Monday (January 18).’
Mr Jones and his brown cockapoo were reported missing on Saturday with helicopters and lifeboats scouring the coastline of Hove late into the night.
Mr Jones and his brown cockapoo were reported missing on Saturday with helicopters and lifeboats scouring the coastline of Hove late into the night
Despite extensive searches, which involved Sussex Police, HM Coastguard, lifeboat crews and search and rescue volunteers, neither Gareth or his dog were found that night
Despite extensive searches, which involved Sussex Police, HM Coastguard, lifeboat crews and search and rescue volunteers, neither Gareth or his dog were found that night.
Coastguard and lifeboat crews were later stood down from the search, but police officers and volunteers continued to search the coastline.
Officers say the body was discovered by a member of the public, who contacted the police.