The body was found in Halstock Wood. Photo: Roger Roberts CC-BY-SA-2.0

Rescuers searching for a missing Dartmoor walker have found a man’s body.

The discovery was made in the early hours of this morning near Okehampton on the northern fringe of the national park.

Teams from North Dartmoor Search and Rescue at Okehampton and the Ashburton section of Dartmoor Search and Rescue were called out late last night after the man became separated from his companions after the group went for a short evening walk in the Belstone area.

An RAF Sea King search and rescue helicopter from RMB Chivenor and Search and Rescue Dogs Association members joined the operation.

One of the search teams found the body of a man in Halstock Wood.

Police said there were no suspicious circumstances. A post-mortem examination will be carried out; the coroner has been informed.

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said: “The family of the man, who was a visitor to the area and not local, have been informed of his death.”

An Ashburton team spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with the gentleman’s family and friends at this difficult time.”