A body discovered in the sea near Essex is thought to be that of a missing 71-year-old man from Kent.

A formal identification is yet to take place, but police believe they have found Peter Philips.

Mr Philips was reported missing from his home in Palm Beach Avenue, Hythe, on Thursday, February 11.

The body was spotted 26 miles off the coast of Harwich on Sunday afternoon.

A police spokesman said next of kin have been told.

Police in Essex say the death is not being treated as suspicious.