POLICE officers carrying out searches at caves in Hangman's Woods at Deneholes in Grays have confirmed they have recovered a body.

Police say they received a call shortly after 2.05pm on Tuesday (29 July) by someone reported what they described as a body found in caves at the site off Stanford Road.

Detective Inspector Lydia George said: "Utilising specialist equipment and skills and working with our partners, we recovered a body yesterday.

"Work is underway to establish who they are and the circumstances around how they came to be in the caves and how they died.

"I want to thank the community around this area for their support, particularly local businesses who kindly provided refreshments.

"We will provide further information as and when we are able to."