A BODY found off the Isle of Wight earlier this month has been confirmed as that of missing man Matthew Doyle.

Police have informed Mr Doyle's family after his body was found off The Needles on Saturday, June 20.

Officers were assisted by Yarmouth RNLI and HM Coastguard with the recovery of the body.

Mr Doyle's family were informed of the find, although formal identification had not taken place at that point.

Mr Doyle, 40, was last seen on Monday, May 25, and was last spoken to by telephone later that evening.

A widespread search was launched for him after a bag of his belongings were found on Yarmouth Pier.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said: "We can confirm that the body found just off The Needles last Saturday (20 June) is that of Matthew Doyle.

"His family have been informed and are being supported.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the Coroner."

A spokesperson for Isle of Wight Police added: "We would like to thank everyone who has offered to help with searches for missing Matthew, and who has shared the appeals and supported our investigation."