A BODY of a man found in the River Mersey has been confirmed as missing 76-year-old Thomas Cook.

Emergency services were called at around 10am to Beechwood Road South near Otterspool on Thursday, October 10 following reports a body had been seen in the water.

Police officers, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, Coastguard and North West Ambulance Service all attended and the man was pulled from the water.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Merseyside Police confirmed today (Friday, October 11) that the body was that of missing pensioner Thomas Cook.

Mr Cook, from Kensington in Liverpool, had been reported missing from New Brighton on Monday, october 7.

A joint operation between Cheshire Police, HM Coastguard and other emergency services was launched along the River Mersey near Runcorn on Tuesday, October 8 as part of the search for Mr Cook who suffered from dementia.

His next of kin have been informed.