Family's hope body found is not Damion

Damion Vernon went missing from his home in Headlands Close, Bridlington on December 8, 2014 and was last seen in the Wakefield area.

DNA testing is currently underway on the man's body and are now comparing the results to the dental records of 32-year-old Damion.

On Monday (14 March) police recovered the body of an unidentified man in a canal at Ravensthorpe, West Wakefield, close to the River Calder where Damion was last seen.

Images of the clothing found with the body, believed to have been in the water for some time, have been released by West Yorkshire Police.

Following the news, Damion's brother Aaron Vernon posted on Facebook saying police are examining the DNA samples given to them by the family and also thanked the public for their continued support.

He said: "A body has been found near the River Calder, a short distance from were he was supposed to have last been seen.

"We have been in touch with the police who have obtained Damion's DNA and dental records. There is a possibility it could be Damion but we're holding on to the hope that it's not. We are told it could take up to three weeks until we find out.

"I would like thank you all for your continued support."

Damion told family on 8 December 2014 that he was travelling to Sheffield to pick up a new car, but his last sighting was at a West Yorkshire housing estate.

Detectives investigating Damion’s disappearance said the father-of-two left his blue Vauxhall Corsa parked on Sycamore Street, Belle Vue, in Wakefield.

He was last seen walking down an alley and has not been seen since.

Early indications are that the body found is that of a white male, aged between 30 and 50 years who will have been between 5"9" tall and 6"1" tall and of slim build. He was wearing a No Fear short sleeved t-shirt and chino style shorts with a palm tree design.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Swift of the Homicide and Major Enquiry team who is leading the investigation said; "Our investigation is at an early stage, and our priority is identifying the victim, with the death presently been treated as unexplained.

"I would appeal to anyone who recognises the clothing, or who has any information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem to come forward. Enquiries are ongoing."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team via 101 quoting 309 of the 14/3. Information can also be passed to the independent anonymous crime fighting charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.