Family's hope that body is not Damion

Damion Vernon went missing from his home in Headlands Close, Bridlington in 2014 and was last seen in the Belle Vue area of Wakefield.

DNA testing is currently underway on the man’s body discovered near the canal in Ravensthorpe last Monday.

And Damion’s family say police are now comparing the results to his dental records.

His brother Aaron Vernon said on Facebook: “A body has been found near the River Calder, a short distance from where Damion 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, 32, went missing from his home on December 8, 2014. He told family that he was travelling to Sheffield to pick up a new car. But his last sighting was in a housing estate in Wakefield.

Detectives investigating Damion’s disappearance said the father-of-two left his blue Vauxhall Corsa parked on Sycamore Street in Belle Vue. He was seen walking down an alley and has not been seen since.

Anyone with any information regarding the unidentified body 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.