THE body of a man discovered in the Mersey behind the Riverside Retail Park is believed to be that of missing man Keith Taylor, police have confirmed.

Officers cordoned off part of the Mersey on Thursday at 3.15pm after a body was discovered in the river off Wharf Street near Jellybeans Play Centre.

Formal identification has not yet taken place, although police say the body is believed to be that of the 76-year-old who was last seen on December 15.

Keith’s family have been informed of the discovery and they are currently being supported by specialist officers.

DI Helena Banusic, of Warrington CID, said: “At this stage we believe the body is that of Keith and I understand the community will be upset by this development.

“Our thoughts remain with the family and specialist support remains in place while we establish the identity of the body.

“I am extremely grateful to the public and the media for all the help and support they have provided.

“The focus of the investigation will now be on the circumstances of Keith’s disappearance and officers will be conducting house-to-house and CCTV enquiries around Kingsway North due to a sighting of Keith around 10am in that area.

“I would ask anyone who has any information, in particular around Keith’s last known location, to contact us on 101.”