Body found in search for missing 19-year-old

Officers say that, although not formally identified, they believe it to be that of the 19-year-old who went missing following a New Year party in Lancaster.

The body was discovered on land near to Trimpell Sports and Social Club in Morecambe just before midday.

In a statement Lancashire Police said: "James' family have been informed of the development and are being supported at this time. Our thoughts are with them.

"We would like to thank all those in the community who assisted with our search."

James was last seen when he was dropped off by taxi on Christie Avenue, Morecambe at around 6am on New Year's Day.

He walked off in the direction of Ennerdale Avenue, but did not return home.

A huge search involving police from across the county began hours later and a body was found at lunchtime yesterday, not far from where he was dropped off.

Lancashire Police Deputy Chief Constable Terry Woods tweeted: "Desperately sad news. A major ⁦@LancsPolice⁩ search operation for missing James Macadam,using officers from around Lancashire,found a body.

"Whilst not formally identified,we believe to be that of James. Thoughts with his family and friends."

James left his home in Carnforth at about 10pm on New Year's Eve to go to a party on the Marsh Estate in Lancaster.

Following the party he got a taxi with friends, but was dropped off on Christie Avenue in Morecambe at about 6am.

He was last seen wearing black jeans, a black Lacoste jumper with white arm patches, a black tee shirt and white Adidas trainers.

During the search Chief Inspector Sally Riley said: “We are growing increasingly concerned about him, especially as it is out of character for James to go missing and the weather has been particularly cold.

“It may be that James has tried to walk home and become disorientated and sought shelter somewhere because of the cold weather so I would ask people in the area to check any sheds or outhouses and CCTV.”