Police searching for missing pensioner believe his body has been found in a pond in Wigan
Police say a body found in a pond in Wigan is believed to be that of a pensioner who had been missing for several days.
Officers had been searching for 71-year-old Dwayne Akkermans since Friday and made several appeals for help from the public to find him.
He was last seen in the Ratcliffe Road area of Aspull, but it was thought he may have travelled to Whittle-le-Woods, in Chorley.
His family and police officers were becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare and asked walkers in rural areas to look out for him.
Sadly, the search came to an end on Tuesday afternoon when a body was found in Haigh.
A statement released today by Chorley police said: “Dwayne was last seen in the Ratcliffe Road area of Aspull, near Wigan, on April 17.
“Since that time, we have carried out extensive enquiries to locate Dwayne, including CCTV, house to house and other enquiries.
“However, yesterday afternoon we were called following reports a man had been found deceased in a pond in Haigh, Wigan.
“Whilst formal identification has not yet taken place, we believe it to be Mr Akkermans. His family are aware of the update and our thoughts are with them at this distressing time.
“The investigation into the death is being led by our colleagues at Greater Manchester Police.
“Thank you to everybody who shared our appeals or came forward with information to assist in our search. While this is not the outcome anyone would have wished for, your help is always greatly appreciated.”