POLICE searching for the missing former Northwich Victoria striker James Dean have found a body.

The 35-year-old was last seen in the Lancashire town of Oswaldtwistle on Wednesday night but now, Lancashire Police have confirmed a body was found on Sunday afternoon.

"While the body is yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be Mr Dean," Lancashire Police said in a statement.

"His family have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this time.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious and a post-morten examination will take place in due course."

Dean played for Vics during the 2006-07 season and also played for the likes of Halifax Town, Chorley, Bamber Bridge and Clitheroe among others.

> More details on a Crowdfunder set up to support Mr Dean's family can be found here