Body found believed to be that of missing Barnsley man

A team of 46 police officers, supported by mountain rescue volunteers and firefighters, have been desperately searching for 80-year-old Brian Tomlinson since he left his home on the border of Hemingfield and Wombwell last Friday.

South Yorkshire Police has now confirmed that the body of a man was found by specialist search officers in Small Bridge Dyke near Cudworth on the Trans Pennine Trail at 11.45am today.

In a statement, the force said: “While formal identification has not yet taken place, officers do believe it to be that of 80-year-old Brian Tomlinson.

“Brian’s family have been notified and are being supported by specialist officers at this time.”

The find comes just a day after new CCTV footage of Brian’s last known movements were released by police at a press conference.

It is believed Brian drove his black Skoda car to Barnsley town centre and visited a bank before leaving without withdrawing any money.

He was last spotted in Park Grove and Pontefract Road close to Barnsley town centre last Friday evening.

Superintendent Sarah Poolman described the father-of-two’s disappearance as 'completely out of character' and he has never been reported missing before.

She added he was quite sprightly for his age and was able to walk long distances.