A man’s body has been found on the banks of the Medway after a helicopter search.

A police helicopter could be seen circling the motorway bridge yesterday afternoon, and shortly after, a body was discovered.

A 38-year-old man from Gillingham had been reported missing earlier in the morning and police were searching for him near the M2 bridge in Rochester.

It is understood someone walking near Burham Road discovered the man’s body under the bridge on the Borstal side of the river.

There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and police will compile a report for the coroner.

A spokesman said: “Kent Police was called at 4.31pm on Tuesday following the discovery of a body in the River Medway.

“The body has been identified as a 38-year-old Gillingham man who had earlier been reported as missing.

“His death is not being treated as suspicious and his next of kin have been informed.”