A BODY has been found in the search for a 38-year-old man with close links to Stroud who went missing after a beach party in Thailand.

Andrew Apperley, who is from Gloucester but whose mother lives in Stroud, disappeared after attending one of the famous monthly Full Moon beach parties on the island of Ko Phangan.

Mr Apperley, who attended Marling Grammar School, went to the party on February 12.

He had told his mum Linda, from Sheepscombe, via Whatsapp that he would be returning the following morning.

But he did not return to his hotel in the nearby island Koh Samui and had been officially reported missing for four days.

Mr Apperley has a young daughter who lives in Gloucester and had been visiting Thailand as a tourist.

Andrew’s father is the late Stroud District Councillor, Ray Apperley who died in 2013.

Gloucestershire Police said formal identification has not yet taken place, but his family have been informed.

Circumstances of the death are currently unknown.

"Following inquiries with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office we can confirm that a body has been found in the search for Andrew Apperley,” a spokesman said.

"Our thoughts are with Andrew's friends and family."