A KINGSTEIGNTON family is coming to terms with the loss of a loving brother and uncle whose boday has been found after going missing more than eight months ago

The body of ‘gentle giant’ Shaun Brown was located earlier this month in the Teigngrace area by police.

His family were notified of remains found in the Teigngrace area earlier in November and were informed on Friday that it was Shaun.

‘It’s all been a crazy period and the news is still sinking in,’ said his sister Laura Vickery speaking on behalf of the family.

‘We’re grateful that we do have closure now but obviously it has still come as a big shock to the family.

‘We never stopped looking and hoping and we’re still trying to take it in. It’s a really difficult time and so hard to understand.

Shaun was last seen on the evening of March 17.

His belongings were found at the Sampsons Farm end of Teigngrace at around 9.30am the next day.

Despite extensive searches by police, coastguard and Dartmoor search and rescue teams, no clues turned up to his whereabouts leaving the family in turmoil.

‘My little brother Shaun was a really lovely and loving guy, just so sweet and kind,’ continued Laura.

‘He was a gentle giant who would do anything for anyone and was loved loads by his family and friends.

‘He was wonderful and fantastic uncle to my children.’

In the months after Shaun’s disappearance a Facebook page was set up prompting people throughout Devon and across the country to help in the search for him.

‘We’re forever grateful for everyone who’s put in their time and effort, not just with the searches but the numerous messages of support have received,’ said Laura.

‘The amazing support that we’ve had has been insane and I can’t thank people enough. It’s a great testament to who Shaun was as a person that so many people were willing to assist in any way they could.

‘I also can’t thank the search teams and police enough who did everything they could do. They have been incredible too

‘Sadly the outcome is the one we have been hoping against all along but we still have our memories of the wonderful man he was.’

A police spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: ‘We were called on November 5 to the Teigngrace area of Newton Abbot, following reports that a body had been located.

‘Officers attended the scene to carry out further inquiries and human remains were recovered.

‘Formal identification has since taken place and the body is that of 33-year-old Shaun Brown, who was reported missing from in March and his next of kin were duly informed.

‘His death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is to be prepared for the coroner.’

Friends of the family took to Facebook to express their condolences for the family.

One said: ‘Absolutely tragic news’.

Another added: ‘This is so sad, our thoughts are with his family and friends who tried so hard to find out what had happened to him.’

While another friend added: ‘Tragic news.

‘How many times was Teigngrace searched. His family must be devastated.’