GWENT Police have confirmed the identity of a man found in a Caerphilly river as 70 year-old Robert Evans.

Identification took place earlier today after the body was recovered from the Rhymney River near Bargoed on Saturday.

Mr Evans was reported missing a week ago on Monday September 26 and officers are not treating the death as suspicious at this time.

Bargoed Inspector, Ian Muirhead said: “Our thoughts are with Robert’s friends and family at this sad time. I’d like to thank the members of the community that took time out of their lives to help with the search and for all the people who shared our appeals for information.

"A special mention goes to the volunteers at Severn Area Rescue Association, who were instrumental in our search for Robert.”

UPDATE: 7am

A BODY of a man has been found in the Rhymney River in Bargoed.

The man was found yesterday by Gwent Police officers.

Formal identification has yet to take place but officers have notified the family of 70-year-old Robert Evans, who was reported as missing to police on Monday, September 26, 2016.

Officers are not treating the death as suspicious at this time, and the Coroner has been informed.