Body found on Seaham beach confirmed as missing Sunderland man Lee Downey

The body was discovered on the beach at 6.25am on Wednesday, and Lee's family were notified.

Northumbria Police said the body has now been formally identified as the 35-year-old, from Ryhope, who was last seen near The Railway Inn pub at around 5.15am on Monday and was heading in the direction of the coast.

Police said his death has been passed to Durham Coroner's Office.