Police searching for a missing man with Sidmouth connections have found two bodies in an area of Petitor Woods in Torquay.

An appeal was launched to find 39-year-old David Cauldwell, after he was reported missing on Sunday (May 22).

The Torquay man was last seen leaving the Artful Dodger pub in Teignmouth Road, Torquay, at around midnight on Saturday, May 21.

Dartmoor Rescue Group and police specialist search teams have been involved in searching for Mr Cauldwell since he was reported missing.

Police said they discovered human remains at 8.45pm yesterday (Tuesday) in an area of Petitor Woods. A second body was found 200 metres away at 8.10am today (Wednesday).

A police spokesman said: “Human remains were found, which are believed to have been there for a considerable amount of time.

“Items found with the remains are being used to assist officers with identification.

“The second body was located at around 8.10am on Wednesday, May 25, which appears completely unrelated to the human remains discovered.

“David Cauldwell’s family have been informed of the developments, but formal identification has not yet taken place.

“The area has been cordoned off and a full investigation is being carried out to establish the circumstances of both deaths.

“Support will be offered to families and friends when the identities have been confirmed.”