POLICE have confirmed a body of a man was discovered near to Foxhill Crossroads, close to the Ridgeway yesterday evening.

Formal identification has not yet taken place but police believe the deceased to be 41-year-old Ricky Stebbing, from Swindon, who was reported missing on New Year's Day.

The circumstances of his death do not appear suspicious.

Last night the car park just off the Ridgeway was sealed off by police as a forensic investigation was carried out.

A number of police vehicles were in attendance and tape was placed across the car park preventing access.

Forensics officers could be seen taking photos of an area out of view from the public.

Formal identification will be carried out by the coroner in the next few days.

Mr Stebbing's family have been informed.