SCOTTISH police say they have found a body in their search for a missing runner from Sussex.

Chris Smith from Haywards Heath has not been seen since 3pm on Tuesday after setting out on a run across a range of peaks near Invervar.

He had been on holiday in Scotland with his wife Lindsay and two children.

His family became concerned when the 43-year-old did not return on the evening of the run, with the keen fell runner having planned to come back by about 5pm.

They contacted emergency services, sparking a large search which involved police, search-and-rescue crews and the Coastguard helicopter.

Police Scotland issued an updated statement on the operation this afternoon.

The force said: "We can confirm that at about 11.50am on Thursday, October 29, 2020, the body of a man was found near to Meall Garbh in the Glenlyon area.

"Formal identification has yet to take place however the family of 43-year-old Chris Smith has been informed.

"Enquiries remain ongoing and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course."

His family, including his cousin Ruth McKee, had previously issued public appeals urging anyone who might be able to help in the search efforts for Chris to contact police.

Ruth said: "The whole family is so grateful for all the search-and-rescue team operations.

“We just want to make sure that no-one forgets Chris’s face.

“If you have seen anything in the area or anybody please contact Police Scotland.”

She said he is an experienced fell runner, but shared concerns that he may have become disoriented and diverted from his planned route, travelling further afield by accident.

Chris has previously represented Team GB in mountain running events, helping the squad win bronze at the European Mountain Running Championships in Arco, Italy.

He was also crowned England Mountain Running champion in 2017.

The runner is originally from Daviot in Aberdeenshire, but later moved to Haywards Heath and joined the Thames Valley Harriers athletics club.