Ecos body understood to be Paul Houston

While police have not issued a formal statement yet, it is expected that they will confirm that the body is that of the father-of-four who had been missing for more than a week.

It is further understood that they are not treating the death as suspicious.

Mr Houston (37) went missing from his home in Broughshane nine days ago. Family members, friends and other volunteers had joined with police to search for him over the past week.

Mr Houston was a member of St Patrick’s Church of Ireland in the village and the Rector and Dean of Connor, the Very Rev John Bond, in paying tribute to him, called it a “tragedy beyond words”.

He said: “Paul was a caring and wonderful young man, who will be sorely missed by his wife and family and his mother and family circle and many friends.

“His death is not just a devastating blow to his family but to the community here in Broughshane where he was well-known, well-liked and held in high-esteem by all who knew him. It’s a tragedy beyond words.

Last night Mr. Houston’s friends were paying tribute to him on his Facebook page.