Body in Ellesmere College grounds may be missing man, 81
A body found in the grounds of Ellesmere College is believed to be that of an 81-year-old missing man.
Police said a member of the public made the grim discovery in a remote part of the grounds of the public school on Sunday.
It is believed to be that of Michael Ashton, who has been missing for almost six months.
Mr Ashton was last seen at the beginning of July this year outside his home in Church Street, Ellesmere.
Despite extensive searches by police and specialist teams he has never been found.
Pupils are not attending school at the moment having broken up for Christmas on December 7, but West Mercia Police spokesman Richard Ewels said the body appeared to have been there a while.
He said: "It was found in a remote part of the grounds close to a pond and appears to have been there for a considerable time.
"We are in the process of establishing the identity and are treating it as an unexplained death.
"However, at this stage, we do not believe anyone else is involved."
Mr Ewels said the body was not thought to be connected to the college.
"We are investigating the possibility that it may be linked to a long-term missing person report."
At the time Mr Ashton went missing police urged people in Ellesmere to check their sheds and outbuildings as they believe he may have sought shelter.
