TRIBUTES have been paid to a senior British diplomat from Droitwich after police searching for him found a body.

Richard Morris, who was born in the town but lives in Bentley, Hampshire, went missing after going for a run on May 6.

The former ambassador to Nepal was last seen running in nearby Alton and after weeks of searching officers announced the discovery of a body on Monday.

Hampshire Constabulary said: “Officers investigating the disappearance of Richard Morris from Bentley have today found a body in Alice Holt Forest.

“Formal identification has not yet taken place, but the 52-year-old’s family have been notified.

“They are being supported by specialist officers. The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”

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Mr Morris, who had a distinctive port birthmark on his face, served as British ambassador to Nepal between 2015 and 2019, as well as taking up postings as consul-general in Sydney in addition to Foreign Office work in New York, Mexico City, Bridgetown and Ottawa.

The former pupil of Droitwich Spa High School was head of the Pacific department at the FCO from 2013 to 2015 and was due to take up the role of British high commissioner to Fiji in July this year.

After the news was announced, tributes flooded in for Mr Morris on Facebook.

Posting a sad emoji Kaz Rawcliffe said: “Oh how sad I remember him from school.”

Genette Naylor said: “RIP Richard. I was in his tutor group at Droitwich Spa High School.

“Always very kind.”

Over the years Mr Morris’ successful career led him to making appearances on international media, including CNN International, ITN International and BBC World.

Mr Morris is survived by wife Alison, who he married in 1992, his daughter and their two sons.