A BODY was pulled from the River Avon yesterday following a search for an Evesham man missing for nearly a week.

It is believed to be that of Martin Hunt, aged 37, who was last seen leaving the Evesham Working Men's Club at 11.15pm last Friday.

A police helicopter had been used on Monday as part of the search for the missing father-of-two after his upturned dinghy was spotted floating on the river.

A member of the public spotted the body in the river close to Evesham Rugby Club at around 3pm yesterday and police divers were drafted in. The body is expected to be formally identified in the next few days.

Mr Hunt, reported as officially homeless, had spent the summer living at Hampton Ferry in his green Saab.

Site owner and town councillor Diana Raphael raised the alarm about his disappearance after failing to see him over the weekend.

Referring to the discovery of the body, Mrs Raphael said: "Obviously we don't know anything for certain and it is sad whoever it is, but particularly if it is Martin. He was far too young to die, whatever the circumstances. It seems so unnecessary.

"He had been looking for work and had done odd jobs for us and said he had just been for a job interview and was optimistic."

Evesham beat manager PC Paul Adams said: "I can confirm that a body was discovered in the River Avon by a member of the public at around 3pm yesterday.

"Enquiries are continuing into the matter."