A body found in a field near an electricity substation is thought to be that of a man missing for more than three months.

Police believe 23-year-old father Jack Hilding, pictured right, was found dead in Biddenden yesterday afternoon.

An intensive police search, involving a helicopter and tracker dogs, was launched when Mr Hilding went missing from the village on October 1.

His family feared for his well-being following a break-up with his then partner Jemma Burton, from Canterbury, and mother of his two-year-old son.

Police officers have told Mr Hilding's family about the discovery of a body.

A spokesman said: "While no formal identification has yet taken place, detectives believe it is the body of missing Jack Hilding."

Mr Hilding's former partner Jemma Burton, of Tennyson Avenue, Canterbury, said on Facebook: "Nothing can describe how I feel right now, completely numb. Jack will always be loved always in my heart rip Jack, my 1st love."

The message added: "Hope ur in a happy place see u in the next life love u xxxxx."

Jack Hilding and Jemma Burton with little Jack

An entry from Mr Hilding's stepmother Lucy said: "I just want to take the time to thank you for your help in trying to find Jack and the police and fire and rescue service for all their efforts and hard work.

"All I want to say at this stage we all wanted a happy ending to all this, but was not to be instead. All we're left with is broken hearts God bless you all regards Jack Lucy and family."

Police said the body was found in a Biddenden field, near Woolpack Corner, at about 2.50pm yesterday after a call from power company UK Power Networks.

"he still looks out the window to see when he comes home...” – jack hilding's former partner jemma burton

It came amid a mini power cut in the Frittenden area, which is being linked to the discovery of the body.

A police spokesman said the death is being treated as "unexplained" and investigations are ongoing.

Mr Hilding's two-year-old son, also called Jack, was left devastated by his disappearance - staring out of the window every day waiting for him to return.

In an emotional New Year’s appeal, the toddler's mother Jemma, 21, said: "At the moment he thinks his dad’s van has broken down and he tells me we need a screwdriver to fix it. He still looks out the window to see when he comes home.

"He went out and earned his money and was a good family man."

Jack grew up in Canterbury, where he lived with his grandmother Esther Scamp in Reed Avenue.