A body believed to be that of missing man Thomas Hunter has been found just outside Ashby.

Derbyshire Constabulary has confirmed the 27-year-old was discovered just after 8.30am today (Monday) off Burton Road, close to the junction with the A511.

Leicestershire Police said the man was found in a hedge.

A Derbyshire Constabulary spokesperson said: "While formal identification is yet to place, Thomas' family are aware and our thoughts are with them at this time.

"Further enquiries are being made into the circumstances of Thomas' death and these are being led by Leicestershire Police."

Thomas, from Newhall, was reported missing yesterday evening (Sunday) following a night out in Ashby on Saturday.

Derbyshire Police had reported that he left Ciros Nightclub in Market Street in the early hours of Sunday morning (December 10).

He planned to walk home from there, to his home near Swadlincote.

Thomas Hunter was reported missing on Sunday evening. Photo: Derbyshire Constabulary

Police said concerns were growing during Sunday - but he was found this morning (Monday) as the road was closed off just after 9am.

A spokesperson for Leicestershire Police said: "The body of a man was discovered in a hedge.

"The incident was reported just after 8.30am today (Monday 11 December). East Midlands Ambulance Service was called to the scene, and confirmed the man was deceased.

"The circumstances surrounding the death are under investigation and the road will remain closed while those enquiries are ongoing.

"The force is liaising with Derbyshire Constabulary in relation to the discovery.

"If anyone has any information which may assist with the investigation, they are asked to contact 101, quoting incident 133 of 11 December."

 Forensic officers arrived at the scene of the incident just before 10.15am.

A number of police cars were seen rushing to the area. Shortly afterwards, the route from the A511 into Ashby was shut by Leicestershire Police officers.

A post on social media says Thomas was found near the Taphouse pub, which is at the junction with Annwell Lane.

But officers also taped off a section of grass verge close to the Westfields estate on Burton Road as a crime scene.

Police issued a message on social media, warning drivers of the morning road closure.

It reads: "Please be aware that the following roads in Ashby de la Zouch are closed due to a police incident:

"Burton Road at roundabout to the A511.

"Burton Road, junction with Rushey Close and Spring Avenue.

"Annwell Lane on to Burton Road. Please find alternative routes."