Body of missing man discovered in woods

Police searching for a man who went missing within hours of celebrating his 21st birthday have found a body in woodland.

Thomas Haddock had been missing for a week after heading to Lichfield to meet up with friends.

A passer-by made the discovery on Saturday afternoon in woodland known locally as Riles Spinney, off Common Lane, near Fradley.

Staffordshire Police today said formal identification had not yet taken place but the body was believed to be that of Mr Haddock.

Spokeswoman Faye Casey said: "His family has been informed and are being offered support.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious and a report will be prepared for HM Coroner."

Mr Haddock had enjoyed an early celebration of his 21st birthday, which was five days later on February 22, with a family meal at his mother's home in Shaw Lane, Bromley Hayes.

He then left the house and set off on foot to meet friends in Lichfield.

But he never arrived and the last known sighting of him was at 9.45pm at Fradley Junction when he asked a boater for directions to Bromley Hayes where his mother lives.

A police search was sparked with specialist police teams scouring the Trent and Mersey Canal, while his family made a desperate appeal for help to find him. The former John Taylor High School pupil leaves behind mother Pamela, father Edmund and sister Emily.

Friends of Thomas have been paying tribute to him on social networking website Facebook, with hundreds logging on to share their memories.

Roz Fledgling Bruce wrote: "Absolutely tragic news. Such a sorry loss, Tom Haddock was always making somebody laugh.

"He had his own mind and was a free spirit. The spirit will live on." Sam Clarke says: "You will be missed more than you know. I feel privileged to have known you."