POLICE have tonight confirmed that a body found on grassland near a North-East community centre is that of missing man Darren Waller.
The 36-year-olds body was found in Ainderby Walk in the Central Estate area of Hartlepool just after 7pm on Wednesday.
A post-mortem examination carried out on the body today proved to be inconclusive, but police said they are not treating his death as suspicious. Further tests are to be carried out.
Detective Superintendent Gordon Lang, who is leading the investigation, said: "This is a tragic set of circumstances for Darren's family and they are currently being supported by specially trained officers. Our thoughts are with them."
Mr Waller went missing from his home in Hartlepool on Sunday, January 9.
A high profile police investigation followed his disappearance, including large scale searches, house-to-house inquiries and both local and national appeals.
Det Supt Lang added: "Our role now is to try to establish the circumstances of Darrens death and prepare a report for the coroner."
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