The family of John Cummings were yesterday informed of the discovery of a body which is believed to be the missing Irvine man.
Officers found the body around 11.35am in an area near Annick Water in Ayrshire.
Formal identification has still to take place but police believe it to be the 65-year-old who had been reported missing this week.
Relatives of Mr Cummings have been informed of the tragic development.
Ayrshire police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death and a report will be forwarded to the procurator fiscal.
Mr Cummings, who lived with dementia, had been last seen around 7.30am on Thursday in the Gailes Gardens area of Irvine.
His family grew increasingly concerned for his welfare and police issued appeals to the public for information.
A detailed description of Mr Cummings' appearance was released in a bid establish his whereabouts before the discovery at Annick Water.
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