THE body of a man found in Upton-upon-Severn is that of the former town mayor, police have confirmed.

Paul Thomas’ body was found by a dog walker at the riverside in Dunn’s Lane at 6.10am on Sunday.

West Mercia Police yesterday named Mr Thomas after he was formally identified on Tuesday.

The 55-year-old stepped down as mayor in February after he was arrested on suspicion of committing a voyeuristic act.

Simon Yates, who replaced him as town mayor, said: “It is sad really that it has come to this.”

Mr Thomas, who lived in Malvern with his wife and daughters, cited personal reasons for his resignation as mayor and town councillor of Upton.

He had been elected mayor in May last year.

Coun Yates added: “As a mayor he was always very conscientious and put Upton first and we never had any problems in the council.

“He was a very good mayor and he and I had a very good working relationship.

“It’s sad, it’s a shame. We’re thinking of his family.”

Mr Thomas was arrested and questioned by police on suspicion of voyeurism by recording a private act.

Under Section 67 of the Sexual Offences Act, it is an offence for a person to record a private act with the intention that a person or a third party would gain sexual gratification.

He had been due to answer bail at Worcester police station next month.

A post mortem examinatino was due to be carried out yesterday to establish cause of death.

Police said the Worcestershire coroner Geraint Williams is likely to open an inquest into the death this week.

Officers are treating his death as unexplained.