Body found in search for missing teenager who vanished more than a week ago as cops probe ‘unexplained’ death

A BODY has been found in the search for a missing teenager who vanished more than a week ago.

Cops are probing the "unexplained" death of Joseph Aldus, 19, after he was discovered in Hartlepool, County Durham, on Saturday morning.

An appeal was launched on Friday with CCTV images being released of his last known sighting.

Sadly one day later officers made the tragic find.

Joseph hadn't been seen since July 13 when he cycled away from a Sainsbury's in the area around 8.17pm.

Cleveland Police said a formal identification is yet to take place but the teen's family have been informed.

A post-mortem is due to be carried out to establish a cause of death.

A spokesman for the force said: "Whilst no formal identification has yet taken place, the family of missing 19-year-old Joseph Aldus have been informed and they are being supported by specially trained officers.

"The death is being treated as unexplained at this time and a post mortem is due to take place.

"Officers remain in the area whilst enquiries continue."