Heartfelt tributes have poured in for a man after police found a body in Oxfordshire woodland.

At about 12.40pm on Sunday, Thames Valley Police located the body of a man in woodland near Radley, Abingdon following a month-long missing person search.

Formal identification is yet to take place but officers believe the man to be Dean, who was originally reported missing from Heyford Hill, Oxford on Saturday, September 7.

Having been named locally as Dean, tributes have poured in for the 53-year-old throughout Sunday and Monday (October 7). 

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Dean of Oxfordshire.Dean of Oxfordshire. (Image: TVP)

“This isn’t the outcome I was praying for,” said Katie Tutty.

“My thoughts and love go to his wife, children and all his friends who really tried their hardest to make sure he was found. Rest in eternal peace.”

Marlene Crockett added: “This is so sad, so heart-breaking. My heart goes out to his family, thinking of you all.

“He always had time for a chat, a really lovely man.

“Dean you will be deeply missed.”

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Sam Crump said: “Absolutely heart-breaking news. My thoughts are with Dean's family.

“RIP Dean, you were a wonderful bloke.”

Several of Dean’s colleagues at Sainsbury’s supermarket also paid their respects having heard the tragic news at the weekend.

Keanne Collett said: “Heart-breaking to hear this news, thinking of his family at this sad time.

“You will be missed at Sainsbury’s [especially] all your football banter.”

James Jameson said: “10 years working with you five days a week.

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Dean's Sainsbury's colleagues have paid their respects.Dean's Sainsbury's colleagues have paid their respects. (Image: Andrew Matthews / PA Wire)

“So many laughs and giggles friend for life and even after I left the job we still had many good laughs over football.

“I will never forget the times we shared. RIP Deano will forever miss you.”

“Such sad news,” said Judith Beechers.

“Lovely man, going to miss you blasting out UB40 in the warehouse.

“Thoughts are with his family. R.I.P. Deano.”

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Another former co-worker who wished to remain anonymous added: “RIP Deano, fly high mate!

“You are missed so much more than you'll ever know!

“One of the absolute finest people I ever had the pleasure of meeting, working with, and calling a friend!”

Thames Valley Police also offered sympathies to Dean’s family after announcing the heart-breaking update on Sunday.

Detective Sergeant Nathan Adby, of Abingdon CID, said: “Although formal identification has not yet taken place, we believe this to be Dean. His next of kin have been made aware and are being supported by officers.

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“Our thoughts are with the family at this very distressing time.

“The death is being treated as unexplained, but not suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”

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