Discovery of body in Barnsley leads to massive outpouring of grief

Officers searching for 80-year-old Brian Tomlinson, from Barnsley, found a body in Small Bridge Dyke on the Trans Pennine Trail at around 11.45am yesterday.

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The body has not yet been formally identified but officers do believe it to be that of Mr Tomlinson and his family has been informed.

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The death is not being treated as suspicious.

Mr Tomlinson was reported missing last Friday and scores of police officers and volunteers were involved in the search for him.

When South Yorkshire Police announced the discovery of the body yesterday, online tributes and message of condolence were left on the force’s website.

Melissa Simpson posted: “RIP Brian. My grandad said you was a kind hard working man and he was so upset today. Fly high.”

Mandy Wood added: “Just the news everyone was dreading. Poor Brian, it’s just so sad.”

Nigel Brooke said: “So tragic for Brian's family and friends in such horrendous circumstances but what an effort by the people of Barnsley and the surrounding area as always. The people should take a bow. Where there was light there was hope. Rest in peace Brian.”

And Avril Eilledge added: “Well done to the police force and rescue teams. Such a sad outcome, but they all put 100 per cent in to find him. Rest in Peace Brian.”