POLICE have confirmed the sad news that the man found dead in woodland yesterday is missing Mitchell Oakley.

Mitchell, aged 41, had been missing almost three weeks after he was last seen leaving Russells Hall Hospital.

He was found in woodland near Barrow Hill Nature reserve, which is close to the hospital, yesterday (Monday April 17). 

Dudley Police confirmed the news this afternoon (Tuesday April 18) and passed on his devastated family's thanks to everyone who helped in the search for him.

A spokesperson said: "We can sadly confirm the man found dead in woodland near Barrow Hill Nature Reserve yesterday is Mitchell Oakley.

"The 41-year-old's family have asked us to thank everyone who assisted in the search for Mitchell, shared appeals to find him and sent well wishes.

"We have specialist officers supporting them at this devastating time and they have asked for their privacy to be respected."

Mitchell's death is not being treated as suspicious.