Overview

• A dog walker alerted police to a body in Hawthorn Dene on August 7 that officers believe is the remains of 25-year-old James Allen.
• Durham Police have ruled the death non-suspicious and are preparing a file for the coroner.
• Officials must complete formal identification to conclusively confirm the body’s identity.
• The extensive search involving specialist police teams, mountain rescue volunteers and coastguard air support was stood down in July.
• Allen’s family have been informed and are being supported by trained liaison officers through the coroner’s process.