THE search for a missing man has ended in tragedy, his mother has announced.

Thomas Bates was last seen a month ago in Chepstow, and his disappearance sparked a major appeal across two regions.

Stourport man Mr Bates, 30, has now been found and has sadly died, his mother, Carol, shared on Facebook.

She said: "Pete and I would like to thank all the people who have helped in the search for Thomas Bates our son, partner to Danielle and father to their children.

"The search is over and with great sadness Tom has been found."

Mrs Bates added: "We are heartbroken as a family and I would like to thank everyone for their best wishes and offers of kindness, it really does mean a lot to me. God bless."

The last known sighting of Mr Bates was at 9.30pm on Thursday, March 2 in Tesco in Chepstow.

West Mercia Police and Gwent Police were both involved in the search.

A spokesperspon for Gwent Police said: "The body of a man was found in the Gloucestershire area at around 3.10pm on Saturday 1 April.

"We can confirm formal identification has taken place and the man has been identified as Thomas Bates, 30, from Stourport-on-Severn.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious. His family and HM Coroner have been informed. Thank you to everyone who helped in trying to locate Thomas."