The family of missing man Nigel Knights has thanked people for their support after a body was found in the River Medway.

Emergency services were called to Strood Pier at 5.30pm last night after someone reported seeing something in the water.

It is just a few minutes walk from Morrisons supermarket where Mr Knights was last seen on Monday, May 9.

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Formal identification has not yet taken place, but police last night said Mr Knights' family had been informed.

A few hours later his family posted on the Find Nigel Knights Facebook page asking for privacy and asked if appeal posters could be taken down.

The statement said: "The family of Nigel Knights wish to thank you all for every bit of support and help you’ve given them in the last nine days.

"You have more than likely seen the news and we hope that you can respect our request for privacy at this very distressing and upsetting time.

VIDEO: The latest on the body pulled from the River Medway yesterday evening

“If you have helped with displaying posters or should you see any remaining, please help us this one last time by removing them for us.

"For every follow, share, comment and message, we thank you. Goodnight.”

Family friend Anahid Basmajian, who led the appeal on social media, tweeted: “Unfortunately it’s the news we were hoping not to get.”

She added: “Thank you for all you help and support.The family are forever grateful for all your help to #FindNigelKnights. May you find peace.”

Three police cars and an ambulance were seen in Canal Road at about 5.30pm near the Riverside Tavern and Strood Pier.

A tarpaulin was erected on the pontoons at Rochester Pier, on the opposite side of the river.

A forensics team was also called to the riverside, along with coastguard officers and a fire crew.

Mr Knights had been staying at a caravan park in Allhallows, and his family said he had not been feeling himself.

He and his wife Sue had flown back to Britain from Lanzarote and were in Medway to attend a christening.

However, during a shopping trip with Mrs Knights on the evening of Monday, May 9, he walked out of the shop, and had not been seen since.