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A body that washed up on the North Devon coastline has been identified as a Carmarthen man who went missing almost three months ago.

Gary Shepherd-Mason went missing on Thursday, November 15.

His family today thanked people for their messages of condolence.

Mr Shepherd-Mason lived in Russell Terrace in Carmarthen and was last seen in the Barn Road area of the town.

A huge police search has taken place over the past 12 weeks, including numerous appeals for information and woodland searches to the north of Carmarthen.

Despite potential sightings, there was no sign of Mr Shepherd-Mason and concern continued to grow for his welfare.

(Image: Media Wales)

On the afternoon of Thursday, January 17, a body was found washed up on a beach at Instow in Devon. The man was wearing a WalesOnline Tenovus rubber wristband, and mystery surrounded his identity.

Police would only confirm that they thought the body had been deceased in the water for some time.

Following DNA tests, it has now been confirmed that the body was that of 54-year-old Mr Shepherd-Mason.

(Image: Dyfed-Powys Police)

His family said: “We’d like to thank the amazing amount of people in the area that have sent their best wishes and condolences. We are overwhelmed by how popular Gary was.”

What police do if someone goes missing:

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Tributes have been pouring in on social media for the popular man who was well-known in Carmarthen.

One tribute read: “So very very sad to hear this news. I hoped and prayed that he would be found safe. Sincere sympathy to all his family who did everything they could to try to find him.”

Another wrote: “RIP Gary, you’ll never be forgotten. You were such a lovely, kind and caring man. You’ll be missed by all.”