The six-week search for married Bradford Council IT consultant David Rowling has ended in tragedy.

Police tonight confirmed that the body of a middle-aged man, found hanging in a derelict barn, was that of 48-year-old Mr Rowling.

The grim discovery was made yesterday teatime by someone inspecting the barn, at Ogden between Bradford and Halifax, with a view to renovating it.

A post-mortem examination was carried out today on the body and the cause of death was found to be strangulation but police said there were no suspicious circumstances.

A police spokesman said: “At 5.18pm on April 8, police were called to reports of a body having been found in a derelict building in Ogden, Halifax.

“Officers attended and the body of a man in his 40s was found.

“Police can now confirm the body is that of David Rowling who has been missing since February 27.”

Police had carried out intensive inquiries to trace Mr Rowling, who was married to Stephanie and had a two-year-old son Samuel, since he went missing from his home in Alma Street, Queensbury, on February 27. Mr Rowling, who was said to be depressed, left his home without money, credit cards or passport, and wearing clothing that was unsuitable for a long period outdoors.

The hunt included a two-week search of Ogden Water reservoir – half a mile from where the body was found – a favourite haunt of Mr Rowling, who was a keen walker and runner. Officers used a boat equipped to show underwater images to search the waters, and poles to comb the undergrowth in nearby woodland. The force helicopter was also used.

One witness came forward, following newspaper appeals with Mr Rowling’s photograph, to report seeing him near Ogden Water hours after he vanished. It is understood he died not long after he went missing.

Members of Mr Rowling’s family had also made an emotional public appeal for help to find him.

The Coroner has been informed and an inquest will be held into Mr Rowling’s death.