A musician last seen more than five months ago has been found dead.

Dan Venes, 31, from Canterbury, was last seen at about 6pm on August 14 in the College Road area of Margate.

His disappearance sparked a months-long quest to find him, with police in Kent along with Dan's family and friends desperately searching for him.

But his family have this evening been informed he has tragically been confirmed dead in France.

Dan's dad, Jason Joiner, has told KentOnline that his son's body is believed to have been found on a French beach about five months ago, shortly after his disappearance.

But it was not until this evening - following DNA tests that revealed Dan's identity - that his family were informed.

"He was found about five months ago I think - but it's taken them all this time," said Mr Joiner.

"It's unbelievable."

Mr Joiner, from Swalecliffe, previously described his son – who has thousands of followers on Facebook pages exhibiting his art and music – as a “brilliant” guitar player and “a lovely, caring person”.

Prior to Dan's disappearance, he is believed to have been picked up at Sturry Railway Station by police due to concerns for his welfare.

He was taken to the QEQM hospital in Margate, but is thought to have left soon after.

Dan, who lived just off Sturry Road, was last seen alive a short while later when he was captured on CCTV in Margate.

A ‘Help find Dan Venes’ page set up on Facebook has amassed more than 3,500 followers in the months since his disappearance.

In the last five months, members of the group have tirelessly headed out to investigate regular possible sightings of Dan in Kent, but there have been no confirmed sightings of him since August 14.

The group has this evening been renamed 'Remembering Dan Venes'.

Hundreds of people who have anxiously awaited news of Dan's whereabouts have taken to the page express their sorrow at news of his death.

One wrote: "Heartbreaking. My thoughts go to family and friends and to each and every person that helped to search. They never gave up on you, Dan. Rest in peace."

Another wrote: "You were loved more than you realised. You were, and always will be my best mate."

Another still paid tribute to Dan's skills as an artist and musician, writing: "So very sorry and sad to hear this. I didn’t know him but loved his work, thought he had great talent."

"Absolutely gutted for everyone who gave so much in this quest to find Dan safe," wrote another. "Thoughts, love and strength to his family, friends and all those affected by his passing."

Kent Police has this evening confirmed it was informed by Interpol yesterday, that the body of a man had been discovered on a beach in northern France.

A spokesman said: "Enquiries to establish the identity of the body are ongoing however the family of Daniel Venes, who was reported missing after he was last seen in Margate on Saturday August 14, 2021, have been informed."