The body of a man has been found in the search for Bob Phipps.

Bob, 85, was last spotted on Shepherds Lane at 4.45am on October 24.

At 9pm last night (Friday) the body of a man was found in the Dartford Heath area.

Mr Phipps’ family have been updated with this development.

Police continue to investigate.

In an emotional Facebook post, members of the public have been asked for “privacy for the family” from this point onwards.

The post also thanks to Metropolitan Police, the local community and those “further afield” that helped towards the search for Bob.

The Facebook post says: “Unfortunately, very late last night we received the phone call that were all dreading.

“Bob had been found but unfortunately, he had already passed away.

“To all those that were still out there searching last night please understand that we could not post immediately on social media as we had to get hold of close family members to let them know personally and give them time to then get in touch with their extended family as obviously, we would not want them to find out such news from reading a Facebook post.

“Whilst from this point onwards I respectfully ask for privacy for the family, we do need to say a few words of thanks as so many of you have become involved in the search for Bob.

“Firstly, to the police's specialist team who have supported us from the very beginning but more so to everyone in the local community and those further afield that have given up their time to search or help in whatever way they can over the past few days.

“The amazing efforts of everyone have truly astounded us.

“We can only say thank you from the very bottom of our hearts and I am just sorry it wasn’t better news that I had to share with you.”

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “We appealed for the public’s assistance to trace 85-year-old Bob Phipps who was reported missing from Crayford.

“On Friday, 27 October at approximately 2100hrs the body of a man was found in the Dartford Heath area.

“Mr Phipps’ family have been updated with this development.

“Enquiries into the circumstances continue.”