A BODY, believed to be that of missing 76-year-old Alistair Conhey from Tavistock, was found on Dartmoor on Sunday morning, following a two-day search and rescue operation.

Mr Conhey was reported missing from his home at Silent Woman Park at Moorshop last Thursday, after neighbours had become increasingly concerned they had not seen him for some time.

Operational leader of the Tavistock Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team Paul Hudson said team members, who were assisted by volunteers from the Plymouth branch, carried out an extensive search on both Friday and Saturday for the elderly man and his dog Rory. There were serious concerns for the man's safety due to his medical history.

'On Friday the search was hampered by heavy rain and strong winds and fast running streams which made some areas hazardous,' he said.

'After the search had been suspended for the night the collie dog re-appeared at its home.

'The search was re-started early the following morning with over 20 searchers including six search dog teams as well as police and the police helicopter,' Mr Hudson added.

The body, which was located on Sunday morning by an observer in the police helicopter, was found below Cox Tor Car Park, not far from Mr Conhey's home.

Police said the dog had been taken in at Margaret Green Animal Rescue at Wingletang.

Sgt Dave Anning said gnawed animal bones were found near to where the body was found, indicating he may have chewed them for sustenance. It is not known how long he had been roaming the moor before returning to his home.

PCs Nadine Wilson and Andy Waldron, who co-ordinated the search, expressed thanks for the local support they received during the search.

'In particular we would like to say thank you to the many volunteers of the Dartmoor Rescue Group and their six trained search dogs who turned out and carried out detailed searches in less than ideal conditions, and also to Mr Deane of Higher Longford Holiday Park, who allowed us to use one of his holiday homes as a base for our search.'