THE body of a pensioner reported missing from home has been found in a river, police have confirmed.

Police said Stewart Carysforth, 73, was reported missing from home in Ribchester at around 7pm on Sunday after his family became concerned as to his whereabouts.

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Mr Carysforth's body was found by police divers in the River Ribble, less than a kilometre from his house on Monday afternoon, despite substantive efforts from police and search and rescue volunteers to find him.

Police are appealing for help in tracing the final movements of Mr Carysforth, who is said to have liked walking in the Ribble Valley.

Mr Carysforth's death is not being treated as suspicious, a police spokesman confirmed.

Detective Inspector Nicola Bithell said: “First and foremost our thoughts go out to Mr Carysforth’s family at this incredibly sad time.

“We are now determined to give them some answers and are trying to piece together his final movements so we can work out what led to his death.

“It appears Mr Carysforth may have been fishing shortly before he died so somebody may have seen him close to the river, or may have seen him making his way there from his home.

“If you have any information that could help us piece together his final hours, please make contact with us as soon as possible.

“We would like to stress that we are not treating his death as suspicious at this time. It appears that Mr Carysforth may have been taken ill, or that this was a tragic accident”

Mr Carysforth is described as white, 5ft 6ins tall, of slim build, with grey hair. He was wearing a grey jumper, green cords and a checked shirt. He was wearing green Wellington boots.

A police spokesman said a file has been passed to the coroner.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting log number 1231 of October 16th.