A BODY has been found in the search for missing man Stuart Cooper. 

The 48-year-old man was reported missing from Eastbourne on Sunday morning. 

Formal identification has yet to take place, but a body found in Ashdown Forest on Wednesday is believed to be that of Stuart Cooper, Sussex Police said.

A spokesman added: “His next of kin have been informed and the matter has been passed to the coroner's officer.”

His bronze BMW coupe was recovered from the Wych Cross area of Ashdown Forest, police said in a statement yesterday.