A BODY discovered near Macclesfield canal two weeks ago has been formally identified as that of missing dad-of-two Lee Turton.

The corpse was discovered by a woman walking between Clarke Lane in Kerridge and Buxton Road, near AstraZeneca, on Tuesday, July 7.

Tribute cards and flowers were left at the woodland scene, but police could not confirm it was Lee Turton until DNA samples were matched this week.

Detectives had been looking for Mr Turton since he disappeared in Higher Hurdsfield, where he was staying with relatives, on Saturday, June 13.

He was described as in "a very emotional state" when he went missing.

Lee’s family made a heartfelt public appeal for him to return, and believed he may have been in Widnes, where he grew up, but no contact could be made.

DNA samples were sent away for analysis and on Monday night (July 20) Cheshire Police confirmed the family’s fears.

A spokeswoman said: "Cheshire Police can confirm that the body found on Tuesday, July 7, near to Buxton Road in Macclesfield, is that of missing Cheshire man Lee Turton.

"Cheshire Police would like to thank the media for their support and also thank members of the public for all the information supplied throughout their investigation into Lee’s disappearance."