A BODY believed to be missing man Graham Connell has been recovered from the River Aire today. 

He was found by underwater search officers at around noon in part of the river near the junction of Aberford Road and Bullerthorpe Lane in Woodlesford, Leeds. 

A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: "While formal identification is yet to be completed, it is believed to be Mr Connell.

"His family has been informed and officers are continuing to provide support to them at this difficult time.

"There are not thought to be any suspicious circumstances and the Coroners' Office has been informed."

Mr Connell, 64, of Morley left his house at 3.45pm on Monday, December 18, to go for his usual run with his Goldendoodle dog, but did not return home. 

He was reported missing at 7.35pm that evening.

West Yorkshire Police began searches that night and Mr Connell's car - a grey Mercedes GLE 400 SUV - was found parked in the car park on Bullough Lane, near the entrance to Woodlesford Lock.

Police carried out extensive searches of the river and the area around where he was believed to have gone missing.

On December 20, West Yorkshire Police provided an update to say officers had recovered the family dog, Maddy, whose identity was confirmed by microchip.