A BODY has been found off The Needles — and the family of missing man Matthew Doyle has been informed.

Isle of Wight Police were assisted by Yarmouth RNLI and HM Coastguard with the discovery yesterday evening.

A police spokesperson said today (Sunday): "We can confirm that last night (Saturday) a body was located just off The Needles.

"At this time formal identification has not taken place.

"However, the family of missing man Matthew Doyle, have been informed of this discovery.

"At this time a missing person investigation is still ongoing with regards to Matthew."

Matthew, 40, was last seen on Monday, May 25, and was last spoken to by telephone later that evening.

It is believed that he attended Broadway Stores, Totland, at around 7.20pm on Monday evening.

Soon after his disappearance, police conducted searches in the Yarmouth area, along with the Coastguard and Isle of Wight Search and Rescue, after a bag of his belongings were located on Yarmouth Pier.

Isle of Wight Police later put out a public appeal for information and said his family was concerned for his welfare. Key witnesses were also sought in a public appeal.

More to follow.