A murder investigation has been launched after police discovered the body of a man believed to be a missing 75-year-old.
The body of Peter Stuart was found shortly after 7pm on Friday in woodland in Weybread, Suffolk, near to where he shared a home with his wife Sylvia Stuart, who is also missing.
Although formal identification has yet to take place, police said they thought the body was that of Mr Stuart, who has not been seen since May 28, the Press Association reports.
Suffolk Police’s Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Parkes said: “We are treating this as a murder inquiry and as a missing person investigation as we continue to search for Sylvia.
“We are currently carrying out a number of inquiries to find out exactly what has happened and would continue to ask anyone with information to come forward.”
The couple were reported missing at around 7.15am on Friday after checks with friends, neighbours and hospitals failed to locate them.
Police launched a search after their car was found still at their home in Mill Lane, and are continuing to comb the area in an effort find Mrs Stuart, 69.
Family liaison officers have been appointed to support the couple’s family.
Mr Parkes added: “We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in this area of Weybread between Saturday May 28 and today and would ask anyone who can help to call us.”
Police are asking anyone who may be able to assist to call 01473 782000 or 101, quoting CAD number 49 of Friday June 3.