A BODY, believed to be that of a man, was recovered from the River Anton in the centre of Andover this lunchtime.

Police, fire and ambulance staff were at the scene near to the bus station just before 1pm today.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that a search had been under way for a missing person since early this morning.

Hampshire police say they have no further information to issue at present but expect to be in a position to reveal more later this afternoon.

UPDATE

Police issued the following statement at 5.29pm.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said:

"We can confirm police were called today (Sunday, March 9, 2014) to the discovery of a man's body in the River Anton near the Waterloo Court area of Andover, Hampshire.

"The body has been recovered from the river and formally identified.

"Police won't be in a position to name the deceased man until all next-of-kin have been informed.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious."