Residents were asked to check gardens and outhouses in the search for Ronnie earlier this month.

The body of missing Wallsend man Ronnie Brown has been found, Northumbria Police tragically confirm.

The 81-year-old was first reported missing on Sunday, November 6 after he left his family home on Bracken Avenue in Wallsend at around 7 am. A search to find Ronnie was launched, with residents asked to check gardens and outhouses for the pensioner.

The search was called off after six days on November 11 and today, on Tuesday, November 22, officers confirm they have found a body in the St Peter's Basin area of Newcastle. Formal identification has taken place and it is confirmed to be that of Ronnie.

Police do not believe there to have been any third-party involvement in the death and a report will be made for the coroner whilst his family receive specialist support.

Superintendent Paul Stewart, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a very sad update which we hoped we would not have to give. “Our thoughts continue to be with Ronnie’s family and loved ones during this tragic time, and we would ask that their privacy is respected while they come to terms with what has happened.

“Whenever we search for a missing person, we hugely appreciate the public's support – not to mention assistance from all our partners and volunteers including Mountain Rescue and the National Police Air Service.”

Ronnie Brown search: Body of missing Wallsend 81-year-old tragically found in Newcastle