POLICE have found a body after a desperate search and rescue operation was launched to find a missing man.

Specialist teams were called out yesterday in an attempt to find Milton Andrla from Crawley.

The 60-year-old has been missing for almost a month, with his family last seeing him when he left his home on June 15.

He told relatives he was going to visit the doctor, but it was later discovered he did not have an appointment scheduled at his GP practice.

He was believed to have taken a rucksack with him which may have contained a sleeping bag.

As a result, Detective Sergeant Alan Fenn from West Sussex Missing Persons team urged people to check their sheds and outbuildings as a search for Milton was launched last month.

But, with no sign of him after more than 25 days, a specialist team including a drone and search dogs was called out.

Officers scoured the area and, yesterday evening, found a body.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "A body has been found in the search for missing man Milton Andrla.

"The 60-year-old man from Crawley was reported missing on Monday, June 15.

"Specialist search and rescue teams were out in Crawley yesterday scouring the area for any signs of his whereabouts. Sadly, a body was found on Friday evening.

"Formal identification is yet to take place, but Milton's family have been informed. 

"The death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious, and the coroner’s officer has been informed.

"There will be a continued police presence in the area while enquiries continue."